Sugar Water Restaurant is excited to announce a new chapter in its culinary leadership with the appointment of James Daniels as Executive Chef. A proud Deal Island local with an extraordinary journey, Chef James steps into this role after rising through the Sugar Water kitchen ranks based on his team leadership and menu creativity.
Welcoming Executive Chef James
Chef James’ story is one rooted in passion, grit, and a deep connection to the Eastern Shore. Coming from a long line of Deal Island watermen, James grew up learning to dredge, shuck, and prepare the region’s famously large Chesapeake Bay/Tangier Sound oysters.
A self-taught chef and lifelong Deal Island resident, James first joined Sugar Water in May 2024 when the restaurant opened, seeking a cooking position. In just months, he quickly proved himself indispensable—moving from Line Cook to Chef de Cuisine, before now taking the helm as Executive Chef.
A Chef Inspired by Home, Heritage, and Heart
Chef James brings a unique blend of local heritage and inventive spirit to the Sugar Water kitchen. He lights up when talking about sharing pasta dishes—one of his favorite foods to eat with others, inspired by the spaghetti his mother made when he was young.
He’s equally passionate about Eastern Shore crab dishes, which hold a special meaning to him.
Looking Ahead at Sugar Water Restaurant
As Executive Chef, James will guide Sugar Water’s culinary vision with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, thoughtful creativity, and the warm, inviting spirit that defines Maryland’s Eastern Shore. His roots, resilience, and remarkable journey make him the perfect steward of the restaurant’s farm-and-water-to-table mission.
“We’re thrilled to have Chef James leading our kitchen,” said Dana Zucker, owner of Sugar Water. “His passion, work ethic, and deep connection to this community shine through in every dish he creates. We can’t wait for our guests to experience the continued evolution of Sugar Water’s cuisine under his direction.”
Dana and David Zucker also want to thank Chef Seth Zucker for his leadership and help in launching Sugar Water. As Chef Zucker moves on, we extend our sincere gratitude for his contributions and wish him nothing but success in his next endeavor.
