David Foulke is the Front of House Manager and Sommelier at The Café in Westerly, Rhode Island, where he warmly welcomes every guest with a genuine greeting. For David, hospitality is more than a career—it’s a calling. He believes in creating an atmosphere where every detail matters: innovative cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, a thoughtful wine list, and a space filled with conversation, culture, and joy.

Reflecting on his work, David shared, “It’s a privilege to work with such an amazing team. Our team is at the heart of everything we do here at The Café.”

David’s journey in restaurants began in 1991, washing dishes at a Chinese restaurant in Milwaukee. Over time, he worked his way up through kitchens, dining rooms, and wine programs, including running a country club’s beverage service, which sparked his lifelong fascination with wine. That passion took him to Portland, Oregon, where he spent two decades immersed in one of the most creative culinary scenes in the country during its peak years (2003–2024).

From fine dining to farm-to-table, grape-to-glass, and sea-to-table, David was part of Portland’s push toward food and wine rooted in authenticity. He worked in acclaimed restaurants, ran a tasting menu program for three years, and joined Erath Winery to oversee guest services and VIP events. Along the way, he earned his WSET Advanced Certificate in Wine and Spirits and became a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers—an achievement he remains deeply proud of, not just for the title, but for the opportunity to share his knowledge and passion with others.

In spring 2024, David and his family relocated to New England to be closer to family. Meeting  Stephen Corrigan, General Manager of The Café sealed the move: their philosophies on hospitality aligned seamlessly.

For David, hospitality is about more than service—it’s about creating joy. “The world is a challenging place to exist in,” he explains. “What we do allows people a respite from reality. We can touch people in a visceral way, giving them experiences that bring joy.”

David calls himself a “professional hedonistic enabler,” striving to give patrons not just a meal, but moments of culinary fireworks that fill their universe. His philosophy centers on:

• Crafting experiences guests couldn’t create on their own.
• Believing that anything that brings a smile is good for the soul.
• Practicing old-school hospitality rooted in honesty, care, and human connection.

Whether with customers or staff, David builds trust through honesty, vulnerability, and even-keeled warmth. “It’s hard to be upset with someone who always has a smile on their face,” he says.

Although new to the area, David has quickly found his place in Westerly’s passionate and tight-knit community. He admires the way residents champion small businesses and celebrate local growth, from new restaurants to cultural hubs like The United Theatre, Knickerbocker Music Center, and Martin House Books.

“Being this close to such incredible local businesses—and to see how the community supports them—is inspiring. Westerly has such a strong identity, and it’s exciting to be part of that.”

Outside of the restaurant, David is fueled by music—there’s almost always something playing in his home, whether to motivate, relax, or inspire. Something that people might not know about David is that he loves skateboarding! He enjoyed skateboarding all his life, starting at age five and continuing into his early-forties, drawn to the freedom, individuality, and rebellious spirit of the sport.

David also finds inspiration in the creativity of other restaurateurs. He admires honest, bistro-style establishments like Balthazar in New York and the work of Danny Meyer’s hospitality group. He is committed to supporting small producers, sustainable agriculture, and mindful winemaking—values that align with his respect for authenticity.

At this stage in his career, David values passing his knowledge to the next generation of hospitality professionals. Training, teaching, and instilling passion in others brings him great satisfaction. “The people that are successful in this business are the ones who love what they do,” he says.

His advice for those seeking their purpose is simple but powerful: “If you don’t love it, don’t do it. If you can make your vocation your avocation, you’ve got it made. Do what you’re passionate about, and if you can get paid for it, even better.”

Guests at The Café often remark that stepping inside feels like leaving reality behind—an escape into Paris, Brooklyn, or another vibrant corner of the world. For that, David credits Dan King and Stephen Corrigan, who built a space filled with art, beauty, and intention. David is proud to bring his decades of experience in Portland to help grow The Café’s reputation as not just a restaurant, but a cultural hub at the heart of Westerly.

What inspires him most are the smiles he creates. “When you know you’re bringing somebody something good, and you see the smile spread across their face, you know you’ve done something meaningful. That’s what I want everyone to experience here at The Café.”

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce congratulates David Foulke for his warm personality, genuine approach to hospitality, and dedication to creating memorable experiences. He embodies what it means to be Community Proud.