Team Member Spotlight: John Sharp’s Crafting The Future of F&B at Bear Mountain Inn
February 19, 2026 | Uncategorized
At the historic Bear Mountain Inn, newly appointed Food & Beverage Manager John Sharp is leading a culinary reinvigoration that honors the lodge’s deep roots while charting a bold, intentional path for its future. By channeling the raw energy of the Hudson River and the surrounding peaks, John and his team are transforming dining from a mere amenity into a core destination of the park experience.
Translating the Spirit of the Land
For John, the inspiration for this new chapter begins the moment a guest steps onto the property. “Even the walk from your car to the building has a power to it,” John reflects. “I’m excited to channel that feeling into every dish we serve and every experience we create.” This “adventure” of hospitality is about more than just food; it is about capturing the majesty of the park and translating that spirit onto the plate.
A New Identity through Culinary Exploration
The team is currently rebuilding the Bear Mountain brand with a clear, distinct identity centered on intentionality. This includes the launch of new à-la-carte brunch concepts and immersive holiday experiences, alongside a highly anticipated core dinner menu. From community-driven “Wine Wednesdays” featuring chef-special shared plates to a spirited Mardi Gras celebration, the focus remains on purpose.
“We’re striving for a Michelin-level mindset: exceptional food, thoughtful service, and attention to detail that feels natural,” says John. “The goal is that when someone is asked why they visited Bear Mountain Inn, the answer is simple, they came for the food.”
Serving Every Guest, Every Moment
While the restaurant serves as a focal point for this refined vision, John emphasizes that the spirit of stewardship extends across the entire operation. From the sales team and catering managers who make “dreams come true” for wedding guests, to the fast-casual approachable quality of the Hiker’s Café and Stand 10, every touchpoint matters.
One standout highlight for the upcoming season is the “Fridays @ 5” series at Stand 10—a summer-long celebration of live music and rotating culinary themes. Drawing on his Alabama roots, John is particularly eager to introduce Southern BBQ and seasonal favorites like apple cider doughnuts to the mix. “Catering is a huge part of what makes this place so special,” John notes, “and concessions are just as important… they deliver offerings that are approachable but never diminished in quality.”
As Bear Mountain Inn enters this exciting new era, the focus remains clear: to create a dining experience that is deeply historical, warm, and, above all, epic.