Chef Josh Herlihy is the beating heart of Cornicello's kitchen, bringing a remarkable culinary journey and a deep passion for authentic Italian cuisine to every dish he creates. A native of Dover, New Hampshire, Josh's path took him far from home, but it was always leading him back to his roots and to the beautiful Seacoast. After honing his skills at the prestigious California School of Culinary Arts (Le Cordon Bleu), Josh began his career in the bustling, competitive culinary scene of Los Angeles. He spent six years at the acclaimed The Tasting Kitchen in Venice, CA, a restaurant that was recognized by GQ as the 4th best new restaurant in the country. During this time, he worked alongside some of the industry's most respected chefs, even cooking at the prestigious James Beard House in NYC. His talent and hard work earned him the role of Chef de Cuisine at the Hotel Figueroa in DTLA and the Kimpton La Peer Hotel, where he led large teams and created innovative, ever-evolving menus. Josh's passion for southern Italian cuisine deepened throughout his years in Los Angeles, where he learned techniques and refined his craft under some of the country's most respected chefs. While he was incredibly successful, he felt a pull to return home to New Hampshire. He knew his true culinary home was in southern Italian cooking, and he was determined to find a place where he could bring that passion to life. In 2020, he made the pivotal decision to return to the Seacoast, and by divine providence, he found Cornicello. It was here that he discovered a kitchen perfectly suited to his skills and vision. Josh’s culinary genius goes beyond raw talent. He is a master of technique, a meticulous manager, and a true mentor. His kitchen is a place of learning and growth, where he patiently trains and coaches every member of his team, from the dishwashers to the seasoned sous chefs. This dedication to his craft and his team has earned him a reputation that draws talented chefs from all over the region who are eager to work and learn alongside him. His love for food is so profound that he has a full sleeve tattoo depicting his favorite food groups and culinary inspirations. Every day, Josh hand-makes the pasta at Cornicello and dreams up new additions to the menu, honoring the traditions of southern Italy while infusing each dish with his own unique flair. When you look through the window into the kitchen, you’ll often see him at his old wooden pasta making table, working with his team and bringing his culinary vision to life. While the ownership of Cornicello has changed, its legacy has never been more vibrant. Chef Josh, alongside the new ownership, is committed to upholding the restaurant's cherished traditions and elevating its cuisine to new heights. His presence ensures that Cornicello is not just in good hands, but in the hands of a culinary virtuoso. ______________________ The Genius at Work Josh's day doesn't end when the kitchen closes. After a long, demanding night of service, you'll find him at his desk in the downstairs storage area, lost in thought. This is where the magic truly happens. Surrounded by the day’s work, he meticulously reviews notes, plans the next day's menu changes, and places his food orders with the precision of a true master. He is a culinary genius at his desk, constantly dreaming up new flavor combinations and techniques. But his passion isn’t limited to the food alone. It's about his team. One of the most telling moments is when a young intern—who will be going to culinary school in the fall—sits down in the chair next to him. Without a second's hesitation, Josh stops what he's doing to engage in a deep, passionate discussion about foods, herbs, flavor profiles, and techniques. He views every moment as an opportunity to mentor, teach, and share his love for the craft. This is the heart of Chef Josh Herlihy: a brilliant mind dedicated to his work, and a kind soul committed to nurturing the talent around him. He is a gift to Cornicello, and his desk is where the future of our incredible cuisine is born.

Susan Ober, an owner of Cornicello, brings a deep passion for authentic Italian cuisine and a strong connection to the restaurant's roots. Her family heritage is a cornerstone of the Cornicello experience. Her maternal grandparents, Jennie and Charles Cassano, hailed from the Province of Avellino in southern Italy—the very same region that inspires the flavors and dishes at Cornicello. Susan's love for Italian food began at an early age, learning family recipes from her grandmother Jennie and her mother, Elena. This lifelong connection to traditional cooking is what fuels her dedication to Cornicello's farm-to-table philosophy and its commitment to handmade pasta and authentic southern Italian fare. Before becoming a restauranteur, Susan had a long and successful career in technology, working at AT&T Bell Labs and later as a school photographer and pre-production manager at Geskus Photography. She also spent many years as a dedicated community volunteer, holding various roles at Atkinson Academy PTA, Timberwolves Soccer Club, Atkinson Recreation, and as a Timberlane High School yearbook co-advisor. Since 2018, she has successfully owned and operated Ober Easy Diner in Hampstead, NH. Susan's business experience and her heartfelt commitment to preserving the culinary traditions of her family are at the core of Cornicello's mission. You might even find her making large pans of her famous homemade lasagna for the team, just as her grandmother taught her.

Some people are born to do one thing; Michelle Nickerson was born to do two. By day, she’s a dedicated therapist, helping the most vulnerable children and families through her own successful company, Finding Solace. But when the sun sets, she transforms into a force of nature behind the bar, a "Doc" who prescribes expertly crafted cocktails and an unforgettable experience. Michelle's journey to Cornicello is a story of destiny. After stepping away from bartending to pursue her career, she was drawn back to the craft during the pandemic. It wasn't long before she discovered Cornicello, falling in love with the restaurant's authentic charm and becoming a regular. When a position opened up, she seized the opportunity, and her incredible talent was immediately evident. The prior owner had no idea what Michelle was truly capable of, but we did. In fact, we were so impressed that we wouldn't have acquired Cornicello without her agreeing to join us in this new executive role. We knew we needed her. The prior owner had no bar director, and the bar programs at Cornicello and sottoCello lacked structure and a vision for well crafted cocktails and mocktails. Michelle has since stepped in, organized everything, and built a cohesive team of talented bartenders. As a true mixologist and a natural leader, her creativity shines in every glass. She curates our Italian wine selection, dreams up unique seasonal cocktails and mocktails, and has built and directs an incredible bar team. Her expertise recently earned her the top prize in "The Great Cocktail" contest, an honor she proudly displays in her home away from home, sottoCello. Michelle’s passion for helping people extends from her day job to the bar. She creates a welcoming environment, whether you're relaxing on the couch platform or connecting with new friends at the community table. The energy and excitement she brings to sottoCello are infectious, drawing people from all over to experience her one-of-a-kind vibe. As a therapist, she knows how to listen and connect, making every guest feel seen and valued. As our bar director, she pours that same care and energy into every drink - running a team of professional mixologists and a well oiled machine behind the scenes. Her presence is hard to miss—you’ll know she’s at the restaurant by the vibrant huge blue Jeep parked outside, a perfect match for her big, bold, and unforgettable personality. A piece of art in her bar storage area, behind the sottoCello bar, that we call "Michelle's Alley", sums her up perfectly. On the art piece it says: "They whispered to her, 'You cannot withstand the storm.' She whispered back, 'I am the storm.'" Michelle is more than a bartender; she is the heart of sottoCello, the spirit of our bar program, and an indispensable partner in the Cornicello family. People now come to us not just for Chef Josh's amazing food, but for the drinks and unforgettable atmosphere and vibe that Michelle has created herself in both of our bars.

Tim Ober’s journey to becoming an owner of Cornicello is a testament to his diverse passions and dedication. While he built a successful career in the technology sector, rising from a software developer at the prestigious AT&T Bell Labs to a Chief Technology Officer, his love for food and the restaurant industry never faded. Tim’s professional life has now come full circle. After stepping back from the demands of corporate management to return to his roots as a senior software architect, he and his wife, Susan, found their true calling in acquiring Cornicello. The restaurant has become more than a business; it's a dream come true and a place where he can merge his professional expertise with his creative and culinary pursuits. Tim's love for the kitchen is deeply rooted in his past. As a young adult, he spent ten years working in restaurants, doing everything from washing dishes to line cooking. This hands-on experience gave him a profound respect for the hard work and artistry that goes into every dish. After getting his degree, he left the restaurant world behind, but the "itch" to be back in the kitchen never truly went away. That passion led him and Susan to acquire Ober Easy Diner in 2018, where Tim spent six years baking everything from scones to biscotti. Now, at Cornicello, that same passion is on full display. He can be found in the office on the lower floor working his day job before heading upstairs to work in the kitchen with the rest of Chef Josh's amazing team! More than just a business owner, Tim is a committed community member. He and Susan have a clear vision for Cornicello: to not only serve authentic, delicious Italian food but also to be a force for good in the community. Their belief in giving back is central to their philosophy, and they are dedicated to using Cornicello as a platform to help those in need and set an example for other small businesses. Tim believes that the acquisition of Cornicello was guided by "divine providence," a purpose to bring the restaurant and the community together. Tim's presence at Cornicello is a constant. From 5:30 a.m. until the lights go out, he is there every day, including weekends. While his love is in the kitchen, watching Executive Chef Josh and his team create magic, he also enjoys walking around both floors, talking to customers, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. If you're in Exeter and see an old, beat-up red pickup truck parked in front of Cornicello, you know Tim is home—his home away from home.