Episode 67: Max Ritcey (Ritcey East, Owner and Chef)

Meet Max Ritcey! He's the Owner and Chef at Ritcey East here in Watertown. In this conversation we talk about growing up in a four-generation family-run restaurant in Waltham, his journey through bartending and restaurant management jobs (and some of the funny stories from that era), and then finally landing his own spot here in Watertown. We dig into how it was important for his restaurant to be a welcoming space that helps people in small and big ways, from driving groceries to his employees throughout covid, to being available to chat and get to know customers, and even helping provide the space to feel comfortable himself as a trans male during his transition. Throughout the conversation we weave in how much he loves Watertown and giving to the community where he can and how it's a truly special place.Find out more about Max and Ritcey East at ritceyeast.comSee info for Ritcey East's meals for SNAP recipients: ritceyeast.com/snap (See info for helping/getting help from others in the community as well: www.watertownfoundation.org/community-food-drive)Support the showHead on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversationsUpcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.