About Martha

I was raised in Stoneham MA. Fourth of 9 children of Elizabeth J.[Sullivan] Stone & Walter D. Stone. We lived at the zoo, now named for my Father who was the Director of zoos for M.D.C.

I started in food service at a young age from fast food to fine dining. I lived, worked & moved about the country from 1975 till settling in Plymouth MA in 1988. I am probably best known locally for the success of Martha's Galley in Plymouth from 1996 to 2005 with my former husband. After many career years of working long arduous hours I came to the realization, which my mother had often pointed out to me, that I was working too hard and giving up too much of the joys in life in doing so. Hence, the closing of the Galley amidst many other life changes.

My odd hours of operation here at Stone Soup allow me to be rooted in my family and balance my passion for life with my passion for the pleasures of working with and creating beautiful food in a lovely environment. I am committed to my ever expanding delight in gardening, supporting local farm families; food and service related products that are sustainable and as close to home as possible. My vision for Stone Soup is to live the fable; in the tale, a village of frightened strangers create the most glorious pot of stone soup using 3 smooth stones, a pot of water and the welcoming hearts of three weary travelers. The gifts of friendship, sweat, talent and faith that each person has contributed to this dream of mine has added to the richness of the "SOUP"

A very incomplete list of credits

My mother, widowed at a young age with 9 children ages 5-15. She did not live to witness this miracle, however I feel her guidance daily. She was kind, loving, gentle and eternally generous. She possessed unfailing faith in God and her family. She radiated beauty and love, ever present with a smile and kind word.
All of my brothers and sisters & their families for their unwavering love and support. My extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins & adoptees.
My divine children Cora Marie, Walter David & Paul Francis. I am blessed.
My brilliant and gifted co-workers, each joyful in contributing their talent.
My network of friends & associates , suppliers, farmers, chefs , restaurant workers, farmer's market partners, fishers, antique dealers, the press and on and on.
Pinehills LLC staff, in particular Tony Green & John Judge, they believed in my vision and extended tremendous assistance with the mechanics of allowing this to happen. They provided the best and brightest with Brian McWilliams as the contractor and Lisa Weekes as interior design help, both showed meticulous integrity in maintaining and accentuating the warmth and charm of the Tavern.
I am grateful for each and every person that has touched my life, those who are still with me and also those that have come and gone.
I am most grateful NOW that you have chosen to visit and experience the joy of Martha's Stone Soup at the Tavern. This is just the beginning of an expanding adventure.

Thank You Martha