Chef Michael grew up working at his father’s seafood restaurant, The Lobster Pot, in Wawa Delaware County, Pennsylvania. By the time he finished high school, having worked every facet of the restaurant, he realized he had found his calling in the back of the house. He apprenticed under four chefs with varying backgrounds.
With entrepreneurial genes in his blood and having seen the void between fast food and speed scratch restaurants, he envisioned a new concept: Gourmet takeout seafood, and thus Seafood On The Go was born. Chef Michael hit the ground running and saw immediate success from the day the door opened.
Later, when an opportunity arose that enabled him to continue to pursue his passion and knowledge in the foodservice industry while allowing some balance between family and work, he jumped on it and began his career with Marriott. In the ten years with Marriott, he worked at various locations and quickly moved up the culinary ladder to the position of District Executive Chef. Michael received certificates from the Restaurant School of Philadelphia and the Culinary Institute of America.
Soon after moving to Chester County, Michael made a shift in his career to the sales side of the culinary spectrum. As a food broker, representing various manufacturers, including some of the largest in the world, he excelled. Michael was voted Account Executive of the year, six out of the first seven years.
When asked about his culinary philosophy, Michael said he is committed to using fresh ingredients and local farm to table products while combining modern fusion with classic techniques. Over the years Michael has developed a unique and diverse culinary talent, incorporating the techniques of authentic French, Mediterranean, Italian, South American, Mexican, and American cuisines.
Chef Michael is a New Garden resident; he enjoys golf and the outdoors; his passions, plain and simple, are food and his family. He has served on the food committee for Boy Scout Troop #24 of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania for nearly two decades.
MEET CHEF DERMOTT MCGROARTY
Derm (short for Dermott) has had a deep passion for the culinary arts since a young age. He is thrilled to be involved with Mother Nature’s Sun as a partner and operator. Derm has been working with chef Michael since 1985 in multiple of his culinary endeavors.
With 20 years of experience in corporate dining with well-known companies, in addition to 10 years of upscale health care dining, he has received awards such as the President’s award at Acts Retirement Communities and the “all-star in hospitality” award for the state of Delaware.
In 1997, Derm opened “Dermie’s Delights” as chef, owner, and operator. Specializing in gourmet soups and intimate private caterings
Derm was raised in Delaware County, enjoys golfing, and proudly supports the Eagles and Phillies. He has also raised his 3 daughters in the area and supported the local softball and volleyball teams with coaching as well as the Girl Scout troops and the schools they attended.
