WHO WE ARE

"I believe that every job, no matter how big or small, should be done with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. I take pride in providing excellent customer service, and I value the importance of being a team player. Whether it's serving food or helping customers with their financial needs, I approach each task with a sense of dedication and commitment to making a difference in the workplace."

DELANEY VAN DITNER

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER

Delaney is an exceptional hospitality professional with skills in planning, organization, problem-solving, and customer service. She is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and creating a welcoming environment. She brings to Amara three years experience in hospitality working at Blended, Capitol Lakes, and The Plaza Tavern in Madison, WI.

As a manager, Delaney provides excellent training to new employees, handles guest experiences with grace, and provides excellent service with unmatched consistency and talent. Delaney has completed an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Madison Area Technical College in 2023.

"I find joy in serving others and creating a warm and welcoming environment for our customers. It brings me satisfaction to see their happy faces and to know that I have made their experience enjoyable. I believe that providing excellent customer service is not just a job, but a way to make a positive impact on someone's day, and I take great pride in delivering that experience to our guests."

ABBY HAMPTON

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF

Chef Abby is a native Madisonian with strong hometown roots and experience working in and leading some of Madison's finest restaurants. She grew up working for her grandparents at the Dane County Farmers Market where she honed a deep love and knowledge of Wisconsin agriculture.

She went to to study Agricultural & Applied Economics in the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences and served as a line cook during college at Tory Miller's Estrellón, L’Etoile and Sujeo. Amara welcomes Abby's incredible work ethic, passion, ingredient knowledge, and skills as a leader.

"I find more passion and growth every day I challenge myself to keep learning and growing. I can't wait to share Amara with our guests who will enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed putting it together!"

SAM SCHANKE

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER

Sam joined Amara upon opening in October 2022 and was promoted to Front of House Manager in March 2023. She has provided incredible focus and leadership on the floor. Sam comes to Amara with a diverse background in hospitality and customer service in detailed and fast-paced environments.

She has experience in the banking industry giving her skills in working with clients and handling detailed transactions. She has worked as a server and bartender at a handful of casual eateries providing exceptional customer service and handling food and drinks. Additionally, Sam's experience as a deli lead and as a barista further demonstrates an ability to work in fast-paced environments while maintaining a clean work environment.

CHYNNA POMALES

CAPTAIN / MANAGER

"Everyone should give back - in some way- some form. Amara is an opportunity to make the industry a better place for everyone that worked in it. Not only how we treat each other, not only paying people what they deserve, but actually looking at the finer points of the industry and making it somewhere where you could have a lifelong career and make it fulfilling.’’

JACK PORUBSKY

CAPTAIN / MANAGER

Jack is a dynamic and accomplished professional in the hospitality and creative arts industry, with extensive experience in providing exceptional service to our guests.

Jack comes to Amara as a service professional having worked at two Michelin-starred restaurants in New York as a Section Manager and Captain at Gotham Bar and Grill, and a Server at Jojo by Jean Georges. Jack has the ability to oversee a team of servers and ensure seamless dining experiences for our guests. Jack understands that hospitality is all about creating a theatrical experience. Jack has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from The New School and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

"I'm thrilled to be back home in Madison, Wisconsin, and I'm excited to use my skills and knowledge to contribute to the local dining scene and to create exceptional experiences for our guests. I'm looking forward to being a part of this restaurant's legacy and to continue learning and growing in my craft."

FRANCYS HANSEN

CAPTAIN / MANAGER

BRETT BAILEY

SOUS CHEF

Guided by his Southern roots and inspired by the culinary traditions reflected in Amara's kitchen, Brett approaches his work with warmth, love for food, and genuine connection as guiding principles.

With years of experience back home and in the kitchen of Amara's sister restaurant, Lucille, Brett is a flexible and engaged individual who brings a teamwork oriented approach to the table. Not to mention his ability to lighten even the tensest of moments with ease.

OUR MISSION

Amara is owned and managed by Rule No. One Hospitality, a mission-driven lifestyle company seeking to provide warm, fun and an endlessly interesting mix of inspired programming that challenges, invigorates and delights our guests by celebrating our craft, who we are, what we do and what we believe―capturing the neighborhood’s unique lifestyle and culture. Coming out of the pandemic we are, now more than ever, committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, humility, collaboration, wellness, and equity. We support those who live our values with culinary training, career opportunities, and great benefits.

Amara is about celebrating and treating each other and ourselves well. We seek to provide warm, fun and an endlessly interesting mix of inspired programming that challenges, invigorates and delights our guests by celebrating our craft, who we are, what we do and what we believe―capturing the community’s unique lifestyle and culture.

Amara is an equal opportunity employer, with a mission to support women, Black, LGBTQ+ applicants. As an organization, we support a minimum wage of $16/hour.