Our Team
Built on experience, grounded in home. Justin and Stephen Skribner bring their shared roots and individual expertise together to create Little Gem.
Chef Justin Skribner
At the heart of Little Gem is Chef Justin Skribner, whose 20-plus-year career has taken him through some of the most celebrated kitchens in the country, including The French Laundry, Per Se, Joël Robuchon, Lincoln Ristorante, Bâtard, and Benno. A 2018 StarChefs Rising Star Award winner, Justin brings a deep respect for technique, precision, and ingredient integrity to everything he creates.
At Little Gem, his vision is simple: bring the discipline of fine dining into an approachable, daytime experience. The menu is guided by seasonality and local purveyors, with elevated takes on breakfast and lunch classics—from house-made pastries and perfectly poached eggs to composed salads and thoughtful, satisfying plates.
The result is food that feels effortless but is anything but—refined, balanced, and quietly exceptional, without ever losing its sense of comfort or approachability.
Stephen Skribner
The spirit of Little Gem’s hospitality begins with Stephen Skribner, a lifelong local and a familiar face to many in Avon-by-the-Sea. With more than two decades behind the bar at Darcy’s Tavern, Stephen has built a reputation for genuine, attentive service and a deep connection to the community.
At Little Gem, he leads the front-of-house and beverage program with the same warmth and care that made him a neighborhood fixture. His approach is rooted in the belief that great service is personal—knowing guests by name, remembering their favorites, and creating an environment that feels both polished and relaxed.
Under Stephen’s guidance, the experience is as thoughtful as the food: refined but never formal, welcoming but never casual. Whether it’s a quick morning coffee or a long, leisurely brunch, every visit is designed to feel familiar, easy, and genuinely cared for.