Jeff Rogers has been selected as the 2020 Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) Business Person of the Year. Awarded since 1988, the Business Person of the Year honors an individual who has demonstrated integrity, accomplishments in business, and business, civic, and/or corporate leadership.
Rogers is the owner of Angry Garlic, a Baldwinsville restaurant that opened in September 2018. Before launching Angry Garlic with his wife Tiffany, Rogers spent 26 years in the food industry, starting as a barback and dishwasher at Drumlins Country Club.
Supporting local is important to Rogers, both businesses and organizations. He used local contractors to design and remodel the restaurant, and the Angry Garlic logo was created by a local artist. Local farms are utilized when possible for fresh produce and beef, including local garlic farms.
Rogers and Angry Garlic are active in the Baldwinsville community, from hosting fund raisers for local organizations and sports teams, to participating in village activities such as the B’ville Big Chill’s Best in Bowl competition. Rogers was one of the organizers and supporters of Baldwinsville Dining Weeks, a three-week event showcasing village eateries that takes place in January and February. He also had the idea for Taste of B’ville, a daylong food and entertainment event on Paper Mill Island in Baldwinsville, which is organized by Rogers, Jimmy and Luke Delia of Pizza Man Pub, and the GBCC.
Angela Antonello, owner of Fashion Rescue 911 Boutique and GBCC director, nominated Rogers for the award.
“I have witnessed the success Jeff has had with his business and the sense of value he adds to the community. But mostly I have watched him weather this COVID storm and still find ways to give back to the community with food donations to the front-line essential workers. He is a business owner who cares about his staff and his community, and it shows in the immense support he receives on good days and bad,” Antonello said in her nomination.
“In the two years since Jeff opened Angry Garlic, I have come to know and respect him both as a business person and as a community leader,” said GBCC Executive Director MaryAnne Williams. “Jeff and Angry Garlic are at the forefront of a vibrant, growing restaurant scene in Baldwinsville, and GBCC can always count on his support for our activities. But those burgers and Boardwalk Fries are my kryptonite!”
The Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce is a progressive association of businesses and organizations that promotes cooperation within the community, advocates for members, and projects a positive image for the Baldwinsville area. Membership is open to all who are concerned with improving the local economic climate and wish to work with other business people. Information on GBCC member benefits and events is available on their website, baldwinsvillechamber.com.
