Our Story
Jack Sprat was formulated in a dream. Why is choosing where to eat with friends or on a date, always a circular conundrum? Too “healthy” a place, the decadent searcher is displeased. Too “heavy” the menu, the lighter side withers. Why can’t we have steak with a vegan salad sometimes? Two Michiganders with a love for Alaska took on that challenge and the rubber met the road in 2001 at the base of Mt. Alyeska. Frans and Jen Weits acquired the lease to an existing chalet built in 1986 and began the hard work of transforming it into something fresh. The structure had previously been four different restaurants. “The Edelweiss”, “Montanaro”, “Mezaluna” and lastly, “The Adria Diner & Bakery”. Over the course of the last 25 years the building has transformed with the addition of two rooms, entry, exterior deck and beer garden. Sheer stubbornness and determination kept the vision going since that fateful leap many years ago. Valuable lessons were learned about food, this wild beautiful land and our incredible community's heart. Would we do it all again? The long hours…setbacks in the shape of wars, recessions, pandemic, liquor taxes?...Well, ya!, eh? Why not?!
Our mission is to nourish and inspire people through food prepared using high quality ingredients. We strive to showcase the best of what is available to us, such as, Alaskan caught sustainable seafood, humanely raised meats, organic and local produce, and foraging in the Chugach National Forest.
The philosophy of our kitchen is to treat Vegetarians and Meatatarians with equal respect. More importantly we acknowledge and honor the farms, laborers and transporters who have dedicated their lives to offer us this sustaining food to live in abundance. We reciprocate that kind of effort with a dedication of our purchasing dollar.
Our Team consists of both front and back of house staff. We practice the art of tip sharing to recognize each position as talented, collaborative and hardworking. We support and applaud the hours they dedicate to make and serve the meals we enjoy. Your dinner is a culmination of our entire Team’s efforts and we are blessed to have a passionate crew ready to deliver their best for every service.
Our chef, Ryan Gelosa, enjoys preparing food with a worldly flare. He respects traditional techniques but often innovates to improve and enhance dishes with flavors of Alaska. His skill set in life allows him to excel in creative new ways with a variety of cuisines. Most days you will find Chef Ryan making pasta or a new sauce while laughing and telling stories of his younger days.
