James Martin
Executive Chef/Owner/General Manager
James Martin is the Executive Chef/Owner/General Manager of 85 Main, which he opened in June 2005, partnering with Barry and Brian Jessurun of The Vanilla Bean Café. James is an accomplished self-taught chef with a career full of highlights. In 1999, James helped open The Back Eddy, a 250-seat restaurant with two-time James Beard Award recipient Boston Chef Chris Schlesinger. He moved on in 2002 to be the Chef/Manager of The Vanilla Bean Café in Pomfret, CT. before opening 85 Main in 2005, setting a new standard of excellence in the “Quiet Corner.” With his drive and resilience James was able to keep the doors open during the COVID 19 pandemic by overcoming obstacles and by never compromising that standard. With James at the helm, 85 Main has earned the support and trust of its small-town community and beyond, becoming a catalyst in the revitalization of Downtown Putnam as a cultural and culinary destination. His career in the restaurant industry has included a diversity of experiences that culminate into who he is today. [Learn more about Chef James Martin here]
Abel Reyes
Head Sushi Chef
Abel spent most of his life in Guatemala working hard and giving his all to everything he did. He was influenced by his father who told him to always keep learning, to never give up, and to do everything with love. That drive has made him into the Sushi Chef he is today. In 2007 he began his career as a sushi prep chef at Haruki in Providence RI. Within a few years his position grew because of his knowledge and experience and in 2015 he had the privilege of working side by side with the Master Chef and Owner Mr. Haruki. He kept that position until 2019 when became Head Sushi Chef at 85 Main.As Head Sushi Chef at 85, Abel works with James and Kat to make sure the sushi offer is up to the standard that has been set. He helps keep track of inventory, fillets, and prepares fresh fish for the sushi offer. He also eagerly lends a hand to help the other departments prep for the main menu. His passion is in creating specials for the menu and accommodating customers “special” requests.Abel played a integral part in the survival of 85 Main’s offer through the initial months of the pandemic. Through hard work, dedication, and sense of humor, we were able to fulfill upon our takeout offer.Outside of work he loves to spend time with family, going out to eat and going fishing. His main influences are God and family.