Chris Lynch | General Manager
Chris is a relative newcomer to the restaurant industry after many years in the world of sales and recruiting. His passion for food and people quickly led him to a leadership role at Avert, where he credits his success to the support and guidance of the team around him. Chris has three children, all currently working hard in the restaurant field as they make their way through college and high school. He is an avid sports fan, and spent many years coaching all of his kids in softball, baseball, and basketball. Chris loves to eat, enjoys a cocktail or glass of wine here and there, and likes to play golf when he can find the time.
Mark Siders | Assistant General Manager
Mark has had a very successful restaurant management career before deciding to join us at Avert Brasserie. During his early days in the hospitality field, Mark found himself operating the famous Smith & Wollensky Steak House in Miami Beach, Florida. There, Mark contributed to the store's recognition as 2nd most profitable in the 10-store chain, as he managed 100 staff members while developing and implementing improved training courses.
Along with some of his fellow management team, Mark then moved from S&W to Prime Blue Grille. In his new capacity of General Manager, Mark created and executed learning strategies to support organizational development needs.
In 2009 Mark was tasked with developing a management plan to oversee the Daiza Restaurant Group in Edgartown, Massachusetts. In his role of VP of Operations, he and his team provided hospitality to three locations on Martha’s Vineyard including both public and private venues.
Emily Goeben | Executive Chef
Chef Em grew up in nearby Canton, CT. At 16 she started working in a small local seafood restaurant in front of house and quickly realized she wanted more. After attending The Culinary Institute of America, Emily interned at Stowe Mountain Resort, and then went on to work in various hotels learning the ins and outs of catering, a la carte, management, and hospitality as a whole.
In 2017 Emily, her now husband, and their dog moved to Portland, Oregon. After a week-long road trip, where the jeep only broke down once, she had the opportunity to immerse herself in Pacific Northwest Cuisine and Culture-fresh, seasonal, creative, and fun kitchens. In 2019, she joined the opening team for the largest hotel in Oregon where she oversaw all food outlets as well as focused on the main restaurant where they specialized in “world barbeque”.
Upon moving back to CT in 2021, this time a month-long road trip (but still only one break down!) Emily began her journey with Avert.
Chef Em’s passion for food and cooking originates from the love of bringing people together-whether for birthdays, anniversaries, opening hockey games, or just because it’s a Tuesday. Creating a space for friends and family to sit and catch up is a special gift to be able to give. She looks to continue to create, elevate, and bring joy to Avert.