Homegrown in Ridgefield: The Ancient Mariner

Jessica Wilmot, the owner of , describes herself as a Ridgefield “lifer.” The 58-year old was almost born and bred here -- her family moved to Ridgefield when she was one year old. She has witnessed the changes in the restaurant business in Ridgefield over the years and is proud to be the owner of what she says is the “longest-running restaurant in town.”

Wilmot purchased The Ancient Mariner on 451 Main St. in 1992 (it has been in operation since 1974). She says that the restaurant business has been in her blood since she started waitressing in 1976 on Block Island, R.I.

“After working in a number of different restaurants I knew the type of place I wanted to own and it’s been great that the residents have been so supportive,” Wilmot says.

She does note that the restaurant has seen its share of ups and downs. “Like everyone else we have taken some serious hits from the economy; we’ve been bruised, but not crippled.”

Wilmot does believe that the restaurant is through the worst of it.

“Beyond the economy, there’s been an explosion of restaurants in town since around 2008 and we’re all fighting over the same piece of the pie.” She says that Ridgefield restaurants are very knowledgeable about food and that people generally like to try the new kids on the block. “We’ve had to re-invent ourselves over the years without losing the customers who like things the way they are.”

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To that end in August Wilmot brought in a new chef, Tommy Stevens, a Brewster resident who was featured on “Hell’s Kitchen.” She says the reviews have been extremely favorable. The restaurant’s signature dishes are the always popular hamburger (Wilmot says they’re the best in town) crab cakes and fish and chips. The menu changes seasonally.

“We are one of the few places in town where we can see three generations sit down for dinner and the parents used to be served here when they were in high chairs and now they have their children with them.” Wilmot says the restaurant looks to combine tradition and nostalgia with a nod to people’s more health-conscious tastes.

Wilmot sees only one downside in her location – the sometimes scarce parking. She does note that the expenses in the restaurant business always are on the rise and there’s a limit to passing costs on to customers. To keep interest in the restaurant up she brings in bands and offers specials. And in her limited spare time Wilmot saddles up one of her two horses and enjoys the town that she’s called home for all these years.