Redwoods Staff Spotlight
Get to know our longtime staff members as we celebrate them leading up to our 30th Anniversary Party!
Sean Henry
Sean joined the team in September 1998 as Sous Chef. After nearly a decade in the kitchen, he was promoted to Executive Chef in June 2007 and later became General Manager in 2014.
What began as a job has truly become a home. Over the years, Sean has built close relationships with longtime team members and many guests who have walked through the doors. He especially values the relationship he shares with owners John, Christine, and Pat. Built on shared values, mutual trust, and respect that has grown into lasting friendships.
From his early days in the kitchen to his role today, Sean says he has always appreciated the freedom and opportunity to be creative. Some of his favorite moments are events like the annual holiday party and other times the team gets to spend time together outside of work.
Nicknamed “Stringbean” by owner John, Sean has been part of the extended Redwoods family for many years. John says it’s been amazing to work with him and watch him grow, having worked with him since he was just 16 years old.
Janet Ricciardi
Janet joined Redwoods in 2000, a few years after the restaurant’s Grand Opening in 1996. She saw the direction Redwoods was headed and felt it would be a great place for her to grow.
She began as a server and quickly worked her way into management, taking on new challenges while staying closely connected with guests. Over the years, Janet has enjoyed watching Redwoods evolve from a great family restaurant into a place where people come to celebrate so many of life’s special occasions.
Today, Janet serves as the Party Planner, where she has the pleasure of helping bring guests’ party ideas to life.
Loved by both staff and guests, Janet has become a special part of the Redwoods family over the years. She loves spending time with her whole family and is a proud grandmother.
Like many of Redwoods’ long-time team members, Janet’s years at the restaurant have brought many challenges, friendships, and countless blessings.
Ben Peck
Ben joined Redwoods in June 2007 and became Executive Chef in December 2015.
He graduated from Mendham High School in 1993, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Loyola College in 1997, and later followed his passion for food at the French Culinary Institute in 2005.
Adopted at age two, Ben was raised by a single mother alongside seven adopted siblings.
As Executive Chef, he enjoys teaching and mentoring others, sharing his culinary knowledge with students, line cooks, and sous chefs. He values creating a kitchen environment focused on growth and learning.
Ben appreciates the talented Redwoods staff, many of whom have been there even longer, and takes pride in being part of such a dedicated team. With the freedom to explore all avenues, from menu planning and daily specials to catering events, Ben brings creativity and passion to his role.
Ben embraces hospitality as the foundation for delivering the best food and service Redwoods has to offer!
Bryan King
Bryan joined Redwoods after a 10-year career in international shipping, inventory, and sales, bringing with him a strong foundation in operations and client service. He transitioned into restaurant management under former Catering Director Jim Asmund.
After graduating from Mendham High School in 1996, Bryan went on to Ithaca College, earning his Bachelor of Science in Sports Management in 2000. Now in his 16th year at Redwoods, Bryan enjoys working in the community he grew up in and has served in so many ways over the years. He oversees Off-Premise Catering, where no two days are ever the same. From intimate gatherings to large weddings and corporate events, Bryan appreciates the variety, unique venues, and daily challenges that come with bringing Redwoods’ quality food and hospitality beyond the restaurant walls and into homes, offices, and event spaces.
When he’s not at Redwoods, Bryan enjoys golfing, spending time with family, and cheering on his nieces and nephews at their sporting events.
Ashley Whitehead
Ashley joined the Redwoods team in 2021, bringing with her years of experience in hospitality and customer service. Before coming to Redwoods, she built a strong background in serving and bartending at several restaurants, including 11 years at Applebee's and 5 years at Capital Craft. Earlier in her career, she also held a management position at Gymboree. Ashley has always enjoyed working with people and thrives in the fast-paced energy of the service industry. Her decision to join Redwoods was inspired by the restaurant’s outstanding reputation and the long-standing dedication of its team members, something she saw as a true reflection of the culture there.
At Redwoods, Ashley enjoys the variety each day brings, from coordinating live musicians and managing social media posts to connecting with guests and helping create memorable experiences. She is excited to continue growing in the industry and to be part of Redwoods’ future success. Outside of work, Ashley loves attending concerts, spending time with friends and family, and coming home to her two beloved cats each night.
Steve Monteforte
Steve’s Redwoods journey began in 2004 as a senior in high school, working during summers and college breaks. In 2009, he graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Service Management.
He joined Redwoods full-time in August 2009 and steadily worked his way up through the kitchen, earning the role of Sous Chef in April 2016. After a brief time away, Steve returned full-time in October 2019 as Sous Chef and was promoted to Executive Sous Chef in 2024. One of Steve’s favorite parts of working at Redwoods is the creative freedom and flexibility in the kitchen. He enjoys experimenting with new products, developing fresh ideas, and crafting new dishes, whether it is a small finishing touch or an entirely new menu item. One standout creation is the Eggplant Burrata Salad, which has become a top seller.
What Steve loves most about Redwoods is the people. From top to bottom, the team feels like family, making it a special place to grow both personally and professionally.
More to come!
