Our Team

Jess Baum

GENERAL MANAGER
Jess grew up splitting time between New Jersey and Central Pennsylvania, ultimately landing in Southern Delaware in 2010. She has a wonderful husband and two beautiful albeit mischievous children who keep her on her toes daily. A mixologist and server by trade, she has a knack for delicious, thoughtful cocktails as well as a discerning palate for great wines and food alike. She has developed a honed craft for service over the years that exceeds expectations, and she is excited to share that experience with her talented team. Her personal touch and attention to detail will heighten and elevate the experience to all the guests dining here with us at Salt Air.

Thomas Nealis

ASSISTANT GM
Thomas Nealis comes to us from North Jersey where he started working as a busser and bar back as young as 14 years old in the of town of Little Falls. After completing college at Stockton University starting working at a resort in Avalon New Jersey as a restaurant supervisor and banquet manager. The following years led him to Delaware where he started as a sever at the Summer House Saloon then started helping manage which led him to us at Salt Air. He has a passion for the industry and the guest he gets to work with.

Ryan West

EXECUTIVE CHEF
Ryan is a native of northern Virginia and has lived in Rehoboth Beach since 2019. He began his culinary career as a line cook at various restaurants in Virginia and then the Rehoboth Beach and Lewes area. After his tenure as sous chef and then chef at Striper Bites in Lewes he recently joined Salt Air as executive chef. In his free time Ryan enjoys listening to his extensive vinyl record collection, going to concerts, and spending time with his dog Ralph. Ryan has a passion for creating and preparing unique and inviting dishes for various tastes and palates, and he is excited to continue the tradition of elevated dining at Salt Air.

Jess Baum

GENERAL MANAGER
Jess grew up splitting time between New Jersey and Central Pennsylvania, ultimately landing in Southern Delaware in 2010. She has a wonderful husband and two beautiful albeit mischievous children who keep her on her toes daily. A mixologist and server by trade, she has a knack for delicious, thoughtful cocktails as well as a discerning palate for great wines and food alike. She has developed a honed craft for service over the years that exceeds expectations, and she is excited to share that experience with her talented team. Her personal touch and attention to detail will heighten and elevate the experience to all the guests dining here with us at Salt Air.

Thomas Nealis

ASSISTANT GM
Thomas Nealis comes to us from North Jersey where he started working as a busser and bar back as young as 14 years old in the of town of Little Falls. After completing college at Stockton University starting working at a resort in Avalon New Jersey as a restaurant supervisor and banquet manager. The following years led him to Delaware where he started as a sever at the Summer House Saloon then started helping manage which led him to us at Salt Air. He has a passion for the industry and the guest he gets to work with.

Ryan West

EXECUTIVE CHEF
Ryan is a native of northern Virginia and has lived in Rehoboth Beach since 2019. He began his culinary career as a line cook at various restaurants in Virginia and then the Rehoboth Beach and Lewes area. After his tenure as sous chef and then chef at Striper Bites in Lewes he recently joined Salt Air as executive chef. In his free time Ryan enjoys listening to his extensive vinyl record collection, going to concerts, and spending time with his dog Ralph. Ryan has a passion for creating and preparing unique and inviting dishes for various tastes and palates, and he is excited to continue the tradition of elevated dining at Salt Air.