Our Team

Heather Gleason & Dave Garry

When Heather Gleason opened Good Dog Bar back in 2003, after a five year stint in executive recruiting and several years in the restaurant business, she was just 28 years old, and doing everything from running the business to bartending at her new place. She needed a bartender, and she had one in mind—Dave Garry, bartender extraordinaire at The Standard Tap in Northern Liberties. Not only did Dave agree to join Heather at Good Dog, the two tied the knot in Vegas just a few short months later. Twenty years later, the two are proprietors of Good Dog Bar in Philadelphia and Atlantic City. And they still like each other.

Greta, one of their dogs

Greta is a six-year-old lab/hound mix who, like her brother, loves snacks. While she’s willing to eat just about everything—from biscuits and bones to sweet potatoes and peanut butter—Greta’s very favorite snack is bananas. When she isn’t snacking, Greta loves to fetch, especially in the ocean. This girl is mad for water. Dog parents: Heather & Dave.

Tito, their other dog

Tito is a four-year-old pitbull/hound mix whose favorite space is the couch—any couch, inside or out—and his activity of choice is snuggling on said couch. In between snuggling sessions, Tito is super into snacking—it’s his second favorite pastime. Tito loves jerky, carrots, tomatoes, yogurt and watermelon, but his absolute favorite snack is a juicy pineapple. Dog parents: Heather & Dave.

Chefs

Atlantic City

Mariesa Monetti

Executive Chef

Mariesa was born and raised a stone's throw from Atlantic City in Manahawkin, NJ. She studied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Fordham University before falling in love with the culinary arts and attending the Culinary Institute of America.

Growing up in a tight-knit Italian family, Mariesa started cooking at a young age and got her first restaurant job at 12. Mariesa began her hospitality career as a busser and prep cook at a small Italian trattoria in her hometown, quickly rising to lead server. At 18, she worked with the Schmid brothers in Long Beach Island, gaining valuable business management experience and eventually becoming GM of Ott’s Good Earth Garden. After several years in management, she pursued culinary education at the Culinary Institute of America. She then worked in various kitchens along the Jersey shore, which led to her role as Executive Chef at a Cape May catering company, where she honed her skills in planning and executing large events.

Mariesa’s cooking style is versatile and focused on comforting, relatable dishes with a twist. She loves that Good Dog Bar is a place for everyone, with a menu that balances casual bar food and elegant specials. Her favorites to prepare are seafood dishes, using fresh, local ingredients. Mariesa enjoys curating creative specials and introducing unique twists on classic dishes. Her top tip for foodies? When you think you have enough garlic, add one more clove.

Mariesa’s go-to drink at the bar after a long, hot day behind the line? Blanco tequila on the rocks.

Maxwell, Mariesa’s dog

Maxwell, Mariesa’s 11-year-old English Foxhound, was adopted from a kill-shelter and has thrived under her care. He went from a starving stray to enjoying gourmet dinners cooked by his chef mom.

Pete Gingerelli

Sous Chef

Pete Gingerelli, born in Ecuador and raised in Jefferson, NJ, discovered his passion for cooking in his grandmother's kitchen, where his family blended Italian and Southern cuisine. After earning a degree in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, he honed his skills across the East Coast. Following a ten-year stint in Cape May, he landed at Good Dog. His passion for fresh, local ingredients led him to Atlantic City, where he brings his creativity and expertise to the Good Dog kitchen as sous chef.

Having spent most of his days behind the line, Pete's advice to fellow foodies is simple: "If it’s metal, it’s probably hot. A sharp knife is a safe knife, and if you think you have the right size bowl, go one size up."

Pete focuses on simplicity, bold flavors, and crafting unique specials that keep guests coming back for more. His approach at the bar is just as straightforward, with his go-to drink being Blanco Tequila with a splash of agave and grapefruit.

Daae, Pete’s dog

Pete’s seven-year-old German Shepherd, Daae (pronounced Die-yay), is his clever and spirited sidekick outside of the kitchen. She's too smart for her own good and will always keep you on your toes!

James Jaye

General Manager

As the very first employee and General Manager of Good Dog Bar Atlantic City, James puts all of his restaurant — and contracting — experience to good use. Whether he’s pitching in on the construction of a new booth, planning schedules, or hiring a new sous chef, James is involved in all areas of Good Dog Bar Atlantic City. Born and raised in Ireland, James came to the U.S. in 2012 with no plans to stay. Instead, he met his wife, had a baby, and fell in love with Atlantic City, especially its proximity to the ocean. When he’s not hanging with his family and dog, Chaz, he’s golfing, playing soccer, or at Good Dog, where he’s particularly fond of the poke bowl and the GDB beer selection, especially the Kane Head High IPA from Kane Brewing Company.

Chaz, James’s dog

Chaz, a Vizsla (and probably lab, and possibly pitbull) rescue, was adopted from Absecon in 2019 and is James’ first dog here in the states, though he grew up with them in Ireland. Chaz loves people. He loves people, especially James, and his wife, and their daughter (though sometimes she scares him a little) and absolutely detests the vacuum cleaner and leaf blower. Like all good dogs, he’s never met a meal he didn’t like, but he especially loves his weekly rawhide.

Jonathan Delcid

Bar Manager

Jon, who hails from Guatemala City, Guatemala, made the big move to the US when he was just 8 years old. He grew up in Mays Landing and studied sports medicine at Stockton College as a lifelong lacrosse lover. Before finding his groove at Good Dog as a bartender and quickly transitioning into a management role, Jon worked as a marketing manager for a casino and led a bartending gig at a nightclub. Leaving the casino life behind, Jon loves Good Dog Bar for its unique staff, excellent menu, top-notch craft beers and cocktails, and the fact that guests can hop off the beach and indulge in a three-course meal without taking off their flip-flops. Off the clock, Jon enjoys watching Formula 1 with his son Mateo and hanging out with his dog, Everest, who’s as beach-loving as he is.

 

Everest, Jon's dog

Jon's 2-year-old puppy, Everest, is a Husky-Pitbull mix who adores the beach and the lake, just like her Dad! Jon adopted her when she was just 12 weeks old, and she shares his love for the outdoors.