SOUTH PORTLAND – Sea Dog Brewing Co. has appointed Camden resident Alexandra Chilton as chef and kitchen manager at its South Portland operation. Chilton is a 2008 graduate of Camden Hills Regional High School, attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and is a 2016 graduate of the Southern Maine Community College Culinary School.

Chilton began working for Sea Dog while still in culinary school in November of 2013. She was promoted to assistant chef then sous chef, and most recently chef and kitchen manager.

Chilton oversees the day-to-day operations of the 300-seat eatery, ensuring that quality and proper food preparation is ensured. She sees to it that food is delivered properly, and tends to menu development and daily specials.

"Overall consistency is important," she said. "The job can be stressful, but it's also rewarding. You work hard but get a lot back. I spend a lot of energy supporting my staff so that  they take pride in what they do. That's the best reward, seeing them succeed. My goal is to give our customers the best experience possible and you do that by keeping staff happy and motivated."

Chilton said there are 15 to 20 employees under her supervision.

"This promotion is something I had been looking forward to," she said. "It happened sooner than I thought, which is great. I'm looking forward to more opportunities with the company opening up. I'm moving forward and there will be great things to come."

Sea Dog Brewing is in Maine, New Hampshire and Florida.

Chilton said Sea Dog has been nothing but supportive of her.

"From day one I have felt so supported by Sea Dog," she said. "They're a great company to work for and I feel prepared to be doing what I'm doing now. I'm standing where I want to be since I decided on this as a career.”

Chilton said besides lunch and dinner, the eatery also does breakfast and brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

"We're set up for large parties," she said. "Sometimes a large group will walk in and say there are 30 of us, can you accommodate us and we say no problem and welcome them in."

Chilton said it's a great job and she loves every aspect of it.

For more information of Sea Dog Brewing Company check out their website at http://www.seadogbrewing.com/portland.php#