Server

For Tara Gush, hospitality has never been just a job—it’s always been about people.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in South Jersey, Tara has called the Delaware beaches home since 2001. After spending more than two decades living between Dewey, Rehoboth, and Lewes, she can’t imagine being anywhere else.

After more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, Tara found her way to Lewes Oyster House shortly after the restaurant opened in 2022. While her career has taken her from beach bars to fine dining, one thing has remained constant: her passion for creating experiences that guests remember long after the meal is over.

A familiar face in the dining room, Tara has become known for her warmth, thoughtful recommendations, and ability to make guests feel like regulars from the moment they walk through the door.

Executive Chef Sean Corea, who first worked with Tara years ago at Espuma, says Tara is “one of those seasoned professionals who has seen it all and truly knows her craft.” He adds, “Hospitality comes naturally to Tara. She has an incredible knowledge of food and wine, and she never has to fake her way through describing something on the menu.”

Ask Tara what to order, and chances are your meal will begin the same way every time: raw oysters, something bubbly, and a Mure Margarita.

“I’m a tequila girl, and the combination of blackberry with the pepper tincture makes it one of the most unique and perfectly balanced margaritas I’ve ever had.”

Next, she’ll point you toward whatever Erikah has created for the raw bar. “Erikah is our raw bar queen. Her salmon and tuna creations are always incredible.”

For Tara, though, great hospitality isn’t just about recommending the right dish. “Guests aren’t simply coming in to eat dinner—they’re coming in to feel something.”

Outside the restaurant, Tara spends much of her time helping people in a different way. She teaches yoga, Pilates, strength and balance classes, and leads breathwork, meditation, wellness retreats, and one-on-one coaching through her wellness business, Kollective Shift.

While the setting may be different, the goal is much the same. Whether she’s leading a breathwork session or welcoming guests into the dining room, Tara loves helping people slow down, connect, and enjoy the present moment.

That passion for caring for others is one of the reasons she was proud to participate in Celebrate Wellness alongside Tom Little this year, helping shine a light on the importance of mental health and well-being in the hospitality industry.

For Tara, it’s one more example of the culture she’s proud to be part of at Lewes Oyster House.

When Tara isn’t at Lewes Oyster House, she’s usually teaching, traveling, or finding her own ways to recharge. You might spot her roller skating on the Lewes-Georgetown Trail, grabbing coffee at Rise Up with her pup, Wildman Pepper, riding through Gordon’s Pond, catching Chris Diller playing live music, or watching the sunset anywhere she can find a view of the water.

Favorite Menu Item?
“If decal isn’t on the specials menu, it’s a medium-rare ribeye every single time.”

Perfect Pairing?
“Summer is tequila and tacos. Spring is bubbly rosé and the raw bar. Winter is a great red wine with a perfectly cooked steak. And year-round? Coffee and a sunrise.”