City Council honors Dover celebrity Chef Evan Hennessey with proclamation

posted on 5/19/2025

The City of Dover recognized one of its culinary stars Wednesday evening as Mayor Robert Carrier presented a formal proclamation to Chef Evan Hennessey during the May 14 City Council meeting.

Hennessey, joined for the presentation by his parents, Barry and Janis, and wife Michelle, was honored for his culinary contributions to Dover and his acclaimed restaurant, Stages.

"Stages has redefined what is possible for fine dining in small towns, proving that world-class cuisine and thoughtful hospitality can thrive beyond the borders of major metropolitan centers," Carrier said, reading from the proclamation.

The recognition highlights Hennessey's deep roots in Dover and his restaurant's impressive achievements, including being named a James Beard Award Semifinalist and earning a spot on the Opinionated About Dining Top 100 Restaurants of North America list for eight consecutive years.

"I'm just so proud to be doing what I do in this community that I grew up in, and to have the opportunity to continue to give back," Hennessey said.

The chef's commitment to Dover extends beyond Stages. Hennessey recently revealed plans for a new venture on the city's waterfront, currently under construction. Hennessey will open a new restaurant called "Topolino," meaning "little mouse" in Italian, at the site. Unlike Stages, Hennessey has described the new venture as "casual Mediterranean, very community-based."

The City Council's proclamation also acknowledged Hennessey's partnerships with local producers like Fox Point Oysters and New Hope Farm, as well as his dedication to mentoring young chefs and creating sustainable collaborations with community organizations.

The complete proclamation can be viewed here.