OUR STORY
Settler is the passion project of husband and wife team, Aaron and Shanna Chambers.
Nestled in the heart of Salem, our cozy and chic neighborhood spot is where nearly everything you enjoy is made in-house—from our distinctly sour sourdough bread to our hand-shaped agnolotti. We’re deeply dedicated to our culinary craft, and we’re equally passionate about extending the warmth and familiarity of our family to every guest who walks through our doors.​​​​​
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“Settler” signifies someone who arrives in a new place, especially from another country, to make it their home and showcase its unique qualities.
Our menu draws inspiration from the rich and diverse flavors of the Mediterranean, with influences from Southern France, Italy, Spain, Egypt, and Morocco. Chef Aaron brings these vibrant tastes to life through relationships with local partners—small family-run farmers, fishermen, and producers. Just as a settler adapts to and highlights their new environment, Chef Aaron uses the region’s local produce to craft dishes that honor his culinary training and travels, while celebrating the terroir of his new home on the North Shore.
AARON CHAMBERS
CHEF & OWNER
Chef Aaron Chambers is the Culinary Creator behind Settler and Bernadette, where he oversees all aspects of the culinary experience. A Yorkshire native, Aaron began his culinary journey at a young age, baking scones alongside his mother and learning the value of farm-to-table connections on his grandmother’s dairy farm. His career took flight at 14 at the Beverley Arms Hotel, followed by roles under Chef Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire.
Aaron's pursuit of culinary excellence led him to global kitchens, from Dubai’s Al Mahara to prominent positions in the U.S. He joined the Michelin-starred Café Boulud in New York under Gavin Kaysen, where he developed a strong relationship with renowned chef Daniel Boulud. He then opened the award-winning Boulud Sud as Executive Chef, where his leadership helped earn the restaurant two stars in The New York Times. Following this success, Aaron spearheaded the opening of Bar Boulud in Boston as Executive Chef.
Aaron ventured out on his own in 2020, opening his first restaurant, Settler, with his wife and business partner, Shanna Chambers. In the coming months, Aaron looks forward to introducing Bernadette to Salem.
SHANNA CHAMBERS
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & OWNER
Born and raised in the North Shore, Shanna grew up with an innate love for the culinary world. Encouraged to pursue a traditional degree, she graduated from George Washington University with a BBA, majoring in marketing. It was during her senior year, while working as a hostess at a French-Indian fusion restaurant, that Shanna met Aaron.
Despite this serendipitous encounter, Shanna embarked on a successful career in technology, where she spent over 15 years in startups, building and leading teams in software development. Her journey through tech saw her at the helm of product management roles at notable companies like SAY Media, Localytics, and Indigo Ag where she drove significant growth.
Yet, Shanna’s true passion remained in the restaurant industry. In early 2024, she made the bold decision to step away from her tech career. Shanna’s journey reflects a seamless transition from tech to table, where her dedication to excellence and her lifelong passion for hospitality come together to create a memorable dining experience.
JULIUS STELLATO
SOUS CHEF
Bio Coming Soon!
CHELSEA ROBOTHAM
PASTRY CHEF
Bio Coming Soon!
PHIL GAMBINO
MANAGER
From childhood memories spent in the kitchen with his mother and grandmothers, Phil developed a deep passion for food and hospitality. His journey began in college at The Studio in Rocky Neck, where he started waiting tables and quickly realized his calling. Phil's career continued to flourish in Boston, where he spent eight years with Legal Seafoods, rising from host to AGM while also gaining valuable kitchen experience.
Phil's career took him to Forge Baking Company in Somerville, where he managed the savory kitchen, followed by a role as AGM at Eataly’s Pizza Pasta restaurant. Returning to the North Shore, Phil worked with Chef Matt Gaudet at Superfine Foods, eventually becoming GM for their Manchester, Marblehead, and Newburyport locations. He then honed his skills further as Expeditor at Ledger and later as Service Manager at Shy Bird in Cambridge. Now back in Salem, Phil brings his extensive experience and passion for exceptional service to the restaurant.
