Church Street Hospitality is a Southern Vermont hospitality group bringing together distinctive inns, restaurants, and gathering places shaped by a shared commitment to thoughtful service, memorable experiences, and a genuine sense of place. Rooted in the character of the region, each property offers something unique while reflecting the same care, warmth, and attention to detail across every touchpoint. From overnight stays and dining to celebrations and everyday moments, Church Street Hospitality is dedicated to creating experiences that feel both elevated and authentically welcoming.

Meet the Founders

Founders Steven and Lauren Bryant

Since 2008, Church Street Hospitality has been dedicated to offering exceptional accommodations, dining, and event experiences across Southern Vermont. Under the stewardship of Steven and Lauren Bryant, the collection has grown to include ten distinct properties, each thoughtfully designed to reflect the character of the region while delivering outstanding value to both local Vermonters and visiting guests.

The Bryants bring a complementary blend of expertise and vision to their work. Steven, an MBA and CPA, serves as President, guiding the organization with financial discipline and strategic insight. Lauren, with a background in Spanish and interior design, draws on her global perspective to shape spaces that feel both refined and warmly inviting. Her signature touch is evident throughout every property.

Together, they have assembled a talented leadership team of Operating Managers and Executive Chefs who oversee daily operations, supported by a dedicated staff of more than 200 employees. This collaborative structure ensures a consistently high standard of hospitality across the portfolio.

Church Street Hospitality was recently honored with the Southern Vermont Community Visionary Award, recognizing its meaningful contributions to the region’s economic vitality and quality of life. The organization remains deeply committed to supporting local philanthropic and cultural initiatives, strengthening the communities it serves.

Southern Vermont offers a timeless appeal where rich history, vibrant arts, and year-round outdoor pursuits come together. From boutique shops and curated galleries to world-class theater, live music, and the natural beauty of the Green Mountains, the region provides an experience that is both distinctive and enduring.

Meet the Team

Colleen Clifton Palmer

General Manager

Events Director

Church Street Hospitality

Originally from Michigan, Colleen Palmer traded "pop" for champagne flutes and moved to Vermont to pursue her love for snowboarding and hospitality. With a unique background, degrees in both English and Accounting, she spent years mastering every corner of the industry—from serving tables to managing finances—before finding her home at Church Street Hospitality 18 years ago.

Today, Colleen is a powerhouse leader who seamlessly blends creative event planning with technical precision. She oversees a premier portfolio that includes the Barrows House Inn & Restaurant, curATE at the Southern Vermont Arts Center, the Old Gray Barn, and a collection of luxury rental homes. Whether she is crafting a new cocktail, balancing a spreadsheet, or orchestrating a dream wedding, Colleen’s goal is always the same: making her guests' milestones truly unforgettable.

When she isn’t managing world-class venues, she lives in Manchester Center with her husband, Daniel, and their faithful "assistant" GM—an Australian Labradoodle named Angus.

Aimee Miller

General Manager

Church Street Hospitality

Aimee joined Church St Hospitality in 2016 to open The Lake House on Bomoseen then supported multiple properties, including Mountain Top Inn, Barrows House, and The Dorset Inn, where she found her long-term home. Today, she oversees operations at the Dorset Bakery, Lake House, and The Dorset Inn, while contributing to the organization’s strategic direction as a member of the leadership roundtable.

She is passionate about operational excellence and building strong, cohesive teams by recognizing individual strengths and fostering an environment where team members feel supported and positioned for success. Aimee values the company’s commitment to both exceptional guest experiences and meaningful employee development.

She enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors with her dogs, and supporting animal rescue organizations. A fun fact: she has moved more than 30 times and has a deep appreciation for classic muscle cars.

Renée Marco Wymer

Director of Marketing and Development

Church Street Hospitality

Renée relocated to Vermont from Atlanta, Georgia in 2021 . She began her career with Church Street Hospitality at the Barrows House front desk and now leads marketing, public relations, community engagement, and philanthropic initiatives across the full portfolio. In addition, she manages daily operations at Barrows House, her home base, and plays a key role in the company’s ongoing operational development.

She brings a background in luxury multi-family housing management, which she seamlessly applies to the hospitality industry. Renée is deeply committed to the continued evolution and elevation of the Church Street Hospitality brand and to the daily execution of its mission.

When she leaves the office, Renée enjoys life at her 250-year-old log cabin and farmstead, where she cares for pigs, geese, ducks, chickens, dogs and a cat. Her involvement on multiple local boards allows her to remain deeply engaged with and contribute to the community.

Amy Jensen

Director of Food and Beverage

Church Street Hospitality

Since joining Church Street Hospitality in October 2023, Amy has played a key role in leading dining operations. In her current role, she oversees the company’s food and beverage program, including cost management across all restaurant locations, and leads the development of wine and cocktail offerings. She is also responsible for human resources, with a strong focus on Department of Labor compliance, as well as hiring, training, and developing staff across both restaurant and inn operations.

She values the strong sense of community and the people at Church Street Hospitality, and is committed to sharing her knowledge, supporting her team, and contributing to the organization’s continued growth.

Amy enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Doug, and traveling when time allows. She is an avid collector of instruction manuals, with a library ranging from kitchen gadgets to her Toro zero-turn tractor.

Jon Gatewood

Executive Chef

The Dorset Inn

Jon grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where his early love of the outdoors and food shaped his path. He began his culinary career at just 14 years old as a dishwasher, and more than 40 years later, he still embraces that same hands-on spirit in the kitchen.

Over the course of his career, Jon has led several distinguished kitchens, including The Palace Arms at The Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, Colorado, before joining The Dorset Inn. He has played an integral role in the development of multiple properties, including The Barrows House, The Dorset Bakery, Curate at SVAC, The Lake House on Bomoseen, and Pearl’s Place.

Jon brings a grounded, approachable philosophy to his cooking, rooted in a deep appreciation for honest food. Whether it’s a simple tin of smoked herring by the river or a freshly picked ear of sweet corn, he believes great food is defined by authenticity and experience as much as technique, and he carries this ethos into every dish.

Jon enjoys fishing, fly tying, snowboarding, hiking, and, of course, cooking and sharing meals. For him, it all comes back to experiences—simple, honest, and shared.

John Stern

Executive Chef

Barrows House, Pearl’s Place, Pearl’s at the Garage

John grew up in Southern Vermont and began his culinary journey at age 14 in the kitchen of Bennington Station. After traveling the country and owning several of his own restaurants, he joined Church Street Hospitality at The Publyk House ten years ago. In 2021, he opened Pearl’s Place and subsequently launched Pearl’s at the Garage. Today, he also leads the kitchen at Barrows House.

John believes that guests come to restaurants for the experience as much as the food. He is guided by his mantra: “People will remember and forget a lot of things, but they will never forget the way you made them feel.” He cultivates exceptional teams by leading through example, inspiring a work ethic that his staff describes as infectious.

On his days off, John goes fishing, embracing the calm and simplicity of Vermont’s outdoors.

Julie Heins

Chef de Cuisine

curATE

Julie has served as Chef de Cuisine at curATE Café, a Church Street Hospitality restaurant within the Southern Vermont Art Center, for four years. A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute with an Associates in Culinary Studies, she brings extensive hospitality experience that informs her daily work.

At Curate, Julie is responsible for writing, producing, and executing seasonal menus and special events, as well as training and instructing back-of-house staff. She manages inventory, orders, and cultivates relationships with local farms and purveyors to ensure the highest quality ingredients. Julie also makes all of Curate’s exceptional desserts in-house. She values the opportunity to create memorable dining experiences for guests while collaborating with an inspiring team.

Julie enjoys a wide variety of hobbies, embracing her curiosity and creativity wherever it leads.

Chelsea Lutz

Head Baker

Dorset Bakery

Chelsea began her career with Church Street Hospitality as a server at Barrows House before transitioning into baking at The Dorset Bakery in 2021. Today, she oversees the bakery’s day-to-day operations, managing production and leading a small, dedicated team.

She values the close-knit, collaborative culture across the organization’s properties and takes pride in being part of a team that feels like family. Passionate about her craft, Chelsea strives to inspire those around her to embrace artistic expression through beautifully crafted pastries and cake design.

Outside of the bakery, she enjoys sourcing fresh, local ingredients and exploring the countryside in her Jeep in search of inspiring coffee shops and bakeries.

Baking runs deep in Chelsea’s roots—she comes from a long lineage of bakers, including her great-grandfather, who owned Lutz’s Bakery in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1900, and his daughter Betty, who was known as “Betty Crocker” on New York City radio in the 1930s and 1940s

Kaela Wetherell

Maintenance and Housekeeping Manager

Inns of Dorset

Kaela is a third generation Church Street Hospitality employee and has been a valued part of the team for 13 years, beginning her career in housekeeping while still in high school. She has grown within the organization and now oversees housekeeping operations while co-managing maintenance, ensuring each property is consistently clean, well-maintained, and guest-ready both inside and out.

She is deeply connected to the culture of Church Street Hospitality, where she values the strong sense of teamwork and shared passion. For Kaela, the work goes beyond daily operations—it’s about contributing to meaningful guest experiences, from family vacations to weddings and weekend getaways, and being part of moments that truly matter.

Kaela strives to enhance the unique charm of the Dorset area, creating welcoming environments that offer guests a memorable and refreshing escape from everyday life. She is committed to ensuring that each visit leaves a lasting impression.

Kaela enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, biking, and camping with her dogs, taking full advantage of Vermont’s natural beauty. A fun fact: she has a strong visual memory and is always mentally mapping and improving spaces, often noticing details others might miss.

Amy Horton

Front of House Manager

Barrows House

Amy Horton joined Church Street Hospitality in 2013, beginning her career as a server at Barrows House. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, taking on a variety of front-of-house roles across multiple properties, including The Dorset Inn, while building extensive experience in service, bartending, and event execution.

Today, she serves as Front of House Manager at Barrows House, where she oversees beverage operations, including beer, wine, and liquor programs, and collaborates on the development of craft cocktails. She is also an event coordinator for Barrows House and The Old Grey Barn, ensuring seamless execution and exceptional guest experiences.

Amy is passionate about creating memorable moments for guests, whether during everyday dining or special celebrations, and takes pride in her hands-on, welcoming approach. She values the opportunity to work across multiple properties and contribute to some of the area’s most respected dining and event experiences.

Amy enjoys spending time outdoors year-round with her two children, snowboarding in the winter and paddle boarding, swimming, and exploring nature in the warmer months. A former snowboard instructor of 15 years, she also led the snowboard school at Bromley and holds advanced certifications in instruction..

Kurt Cleary

Front of House Manager

The Dorset Inn

Kurt joined Church Street Hospitality one year ago and oversees the restaurant and tavern at The Dorset Inn. He is responsible for daily operations, ensuring a high-quality guest experience while maintaining the character and standards of one of the region’s most historic properties.

He is especially passionate about the organization’s deep connection to the local community. Kurt values the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for the area, creating an authentic sense of place for both locals and visitors. He takes pride in being part of an environment that preserves Vermont’s heritage while offering meaningful, memorable experiences.

Through his work, Kurt aims to create moments that go beyond traditional hospitality—turning everyday visits into lasting memories. Whether celebrating milestones or simply enjoying a night out, he believes in delivering thoughtful, unexpected touches that guests will carry with them long after they leave.

Kurt enjoys spending time with his family, exploring local activities, and renovating his 200-year-old farmhouse. He is a former semi-professional motocross racer and can rebuild a dirt bike engine in record time!

Alex LaPlante

Manager

The Lake House Pub and Grille

Alex has been with Church Street Hospitality for over a decade, beginning as a dishwasher at The Dorset Inn at age 14 and steadily growing through a variety of front-of-house roles across multiple properties. After gaining additional experience in the ski industry, he returned to the company in a leadership capacity and now oversees operations at The Lake House.

In his current role, Alex manages a team of more than 50 employees, directing all aspects of the restaurant, including front-of-house service, events, bar and kitchen coordination, and daily operations. He is known for his adaptability and ability to foster a supportive, team-oriented environment, particularly with a largely young and seasonal staff.

Alex values the growth and mentorship he has received throughout his career and strives to create memorable guest experiences rooted in genuine hospitality. Outside of work, he enjoys skiing, spending time by the lake, and staying connected to the mountain community that first shaped his work ethic and passion for service.

Walker Creative

Andrew Walker

Brand and Digital Strategy Partner

Church Street Hospitality

Andrew Walker is the founder of Walker Creative Inc. and has partnered with Church Street Hospitality since February 2024 to help shape and elevate the organization’s brand presence across its portfolio. He led the strategy, creative direction, and development of the Inns of Dorset website and brand platform, helping bring the collection of properties together under a more unified identity and digital experience that better supports discovery, cross-promotion, and the guest journey.

His work spans brand strategy, website development and oversight, photography and videography, paid media management, and creative asset production across both digital and print. The visual and marketing content he creates supports websites, social media, advertising campaigns, and broader brand storytelling across the portfolio.

In 2026, Andrew’s role expanded to include social media management across all brands. Through Walker Creative, he continues to support Church Street Hospitality in building a cohesive brand identity, strengthening digital performance, and creating thoughtful marketing that reflects the character of the properties and the Southern Vermont experience.

When he’s not at the computer, you’ll find Andrew snowboarding at Bromley in winter or fly fishing on the Battenkill in the summer.

Our Inns

The Dorset Inn & Restaurant
Barrows House Inn & Restaurant

Our Restaurants

Dorset Bakery

Breakfast & Lunch
Local Bakery in the heart of Dorset Village.
Pearl's Place & Pantry

Dinner
Authentic Southern Cooking in the Green Mountains
Pearl's at the Garage

Dinner
Authentic Southern Cooking in the heart of Bennington