Emma Spett and her fiancé, Andrew Baldacchi, relocated from Burlington to the tiny town of Jamaica to be closer to family. Andrew is an experienced chef, and through the statewide grapevine, they’d learned of a restaurant and inn in need of an operator. Beginning the planning and renovations in the summer of 2024, they officially moved in January 2025.
Even before the official move, the couple had already made friends and connections with other 30-somethings through BDCC’s GROW SoVermont program, which helps welcome newcomers to the region.
“I’d started to notice a cluster of young professionals in the Newfane – Townshend – Jamaica area through my newcomers newsletter,” says GROW SoVermont program manager Rachel Shields Ebersole. “I reached out individually to see what kind of gathering would work best for them, and we ended up planning an early December happy hour at the Newfane Inn.”
The gathering was warm and lively, with 16 newcomers (and 6 children) comparing remote work experiences, swapping tidbits about area activities, and planning jam sessions. Participants requested a shared spreadsheet to share contact information afterwards, and have continued to stay in touch.
“I never thought I would have a more vibrant social life in Jamaica than in Burlington,” Emma says, laughing.
The couple’s social life isn’t the only thing that’s thriving since their move to Southern Vermont. Community reception of their establishment, River + Rye, has been overwhelming – and it’s popular with out-of-towners too, with the inn booked up for holiday weekends and two weddings already scheduled for 2026. BDCC has been able to offer support for this promising new venture as well, through our business advising and technical assistance programs.
As part of their soft opening events, Emma and Andrew hosted a newcomers mixer of their own this past July. Between the friends they’d already made through GROW SoVermont, townsfolk excited for a sneak peek, and more newcomers who were looking to get connected, over 60 people reveled in snacks, new friendships, and an old space come back to life.
