CHEF TOM
Born and raised in South County Rhode Island, Tom Hagist is a local chef unapologetically proud of where he is from and where he has been. Tom started his culinary career in college when he took a summer job as a dishwasher in Watch Hill. After graduating from URI with a Master’s degree in International Relations, Tom pursued a career in education, but couldn’t shake his culinary calling. Returning to the kitchen with reverence and passion, he then dedicated his career full time to cooking. On the road to eventually becoming an Executive Chef, Tom spent several years growing and developing his craft with Hyatt Hotels in Texas and Hawai'i, as well as local institutions such as The White Horse Tavern. Chef Tom most recently oversaw the reopening of the historic General Stanton Inn, which was named one of RI Monthly’s best new restaurants of 2023.
Chef Tom focuses plating up familiar local flavor profiles from Coastal New England and Italy, though, he doesn't shy away from the southern styles he fell in love with, often re-imagining southern dishes with New England flavors and ingredients. With his deep understanding of local history, Chef Tom looks forward to combining the past, present and future of coastal New England food in approachable and craveable ways.
