Enable High Contrast Mode
Disable High Contrast Mode
Our Team
Dave Amato
Owner, Brickmen Kitchen + Bar & The Cornell restaurant + Bar
David Amato is the creative force and owner behind two of Ulster County’s standout dining destinations—Brickmen Kitchen + Bar and the newly opened The Cornell. With a passion for hospitality and a natural eye for design, David brings warmth, authenticity, and style to every project he touches.
Originally from Kingston, New York, David’s background blends business acumen with a love for storytelling through food and atmosphere. Before entering the restaurant world, he built a successful career in creative branding—skills that now shine through in every detail of his restaurants, from the interiors to the menu.
Jessica Mino
Jessica is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 19 years of experience in the industry. A Rhinebeck native, she studied marketing in Westchester before diving into event planning in New York City and bartending in White Plains, where she fell in love with the restaurant and bar scene. She thrives on the ever-evolving energy of the food industry, driven by her passion for hospitality and creating unforgettable dining experiences. Ambitious, hardworking, and easygoing, Jess has been a key player in opening successful establishments, including Brickmen and The Cornell. When she’s not working, she loves traveling (she takes her niece to Disney every year), discovering new restaurants, and embracing her adventurous side—such as riding motorcycles.
Tyra Costello
Manager
Tyra is a dedicated member of the management team, bringing years of hands-on experience in hospitality since she was 16. Born and raised in Kingston, she has developed a deep appreciation for culture and connection, which shines through in her customer service and team leadership approach. Tyra thrives in dynamic, collaborative environments. She has a strong background in customer relations, staff management, and operational efficiency. Outside work, she enjoys thrift shopping, spending time with her daughter, vacationing with family, and embracing her spiritual side through crystals and moon-watching.
Molly Mullarkey
Manager
Molly is Head Server at The Cornell, bringing 18 years of hospitality experience and a background in communications and marketing. Born in Jersey, raised in Woodstock, and now living in West Hurley, she’s passionate about creating memorable experiences for every guest. A mom to an adorable daughter, she loves spending time outdoors, getting her pups out for adventures, and checking out new restaurants in search of her next favorite spot. Some fun facts about Molly? She lived in China during the 2008 Olympics and taught English to kids—an experience that sparked her love for authentic Asian cuisine. And growing up, she didn’t realize her dad’s “friend Gene” was actually Gene Simmons from KISS.
Anthony Colon
Anthony is the Executive Chef at The Cornell, bringing over 20 years of experience in the culinary industry, including two former restaurant ventures in Orange County and a long-standing role as Executive Chef for Bonura Hospitality Group. Originally from the Bronx and now living in Ulster County, Anthony’s culinary journey began at 16 in the back of a Korean quick-stop deli—an experience that still influences his approach to flavor and creativity today. He thrives on innovation in the kitchen, drawing inspiration from diverse techniques and cultural influences to craft bold, memorable dishes. Known for his creativity, intelligence, and relentless work ethic, Anthony takes pride in his ability to taste and recreate complex dishes with precision. Outside of the kitchen, he enjoys boating when he can and exploring new restaurants for fresh ideas. Fun fact: before joining forces with Dave, he was planning to open a deli—but the pandemic led him down a new path, one that continues to fuel his passion for exceptional food.