Our Story
Gary Ward, Owner of Porter's On Main
For Gary Ward, Gloucester, Virginia isn’t just where he operates, it’s the home where he was born, raised, and rooted. Restaurant life runs deep in his family, starting with his grandfather’s roadside spot on Route 17 back in the 1950s.
After founding local favorites Olivia’s (named for his daughter) and Scoot’s (named for his wife’s grandfather), Gary set his sights on creating something special for Main Street: a sophisticated, high-end dining destination where neighbors could enjoy exceptional food and top-shelf cocktails without leaving town.
In June 2025, Porter’s On Main opened its doors, named in honor of Gary’s grandson, Porter. Located in a charming 1920s building, Porter's on Main blends historic warmth with a cool, upscale vibe. Framed by dark wood, warm brass, and vintage black-and-white photos of historic Gloucester, our dining room plays smooth Rat-Pack-era tunes as guests gather over unforgettable meals.
Led by Executive Chef Josh Hutter, The Porter's kitchen serves up generous, elevated comfort: from rich beef short ribs and hand-cut ribeyes to fresh seasonal catches, thoughtfully paired with our signature cocktail menu and a collection of 27 premium whiskeys and bourbons.
Whether you're celebrating a special milestone or simply stopping in for a weekend cocktail at the bar, we’re here to make you feel right at home.
Gary and Karen Ward & Caleb, Olivia and Porter Milby
IN THE NEWS:
Porter's on Main is proud to be featured in Gloucester-Mathews Gazette Journal, The Local Scoop, Virginia Living and more.
MEET THE TEAM
Joshua Hutter
Executive Chef
With 28 years of culinary experience, Chef Joshua Hutter has a deep respect for ingredients.. you might say his love language is food. Growing up in a military family, Hutter has lived in many pockets of the country including Hawaii, Oregon, California, Kansas, and Washington, D.C.
Chef Hutter leads the kitchen at Porter’s with creativity, precision and heart. A classically trained chef with experience under James Beard Award Winning chefs, he brings a thoughtful approach to each dish, blending Southern style, French techniques and seasonal ingredients to create a menu that is as refined as it is comforting.
Whether he is crafting house-made sauces and butters or creating artful presentations, he is always doing it with a smile. His culinary philosophy, you ask? Pour love into the food, cook like you’re cooking for family.
When Chef Hutter is not behind the scenes creating a new feature, you’ll find him boating with his family, going to the beach, enjoying music at a concert or grilling out.
Jeff Brown
General Manager
Jeff Brown has spent more than 20 years in the restaurant industry, including more than a decade in management. He started out washing dishes and worked his way through every role from the kitchen to the floor—a path that gave him a genuine, ground-level understanding of what it takes to run a great restaurant and a deep respect for everyone involved.
A lifelong resident of the Gloucester area, Jeff brings a sense of home to Porters On Main. This isn't just where he works; it's his community, and it's an honor to help shape a place where neighbors and friends can gather for an elevated evening out.
He's especially proud of the craft cocktail program at Porters—a seasonal, hand-crafted approach built around house-made syrups, fresh juices, and thoughtful flavor pairings won't find elsewhere on the Middle Peninsula.
Whether he's behind the bar, walking the floor, or catching up with a regular, Jeff's goal is simple: make sure every guest who walk through the front door of Porters on Main feels welcome, taken care of, and happy they came.
Misty
Hostess
Brandi
Bartender
Adam
Server
Sarah
Server
Photo courtesy of the Gloucester Museum of History
OUR LOCATION
Oh, if the walls of Porter's On Main could talk!
Long before Porter’s On Main and earlier restaurants, our building at 6533 Main Street in Gloucester, Virginia's historic Courthouse area, was home to Gray’s Pharmacy, a familiar name to so many in our community.
We’re honored to carry on the building’s legacy as a Main Street staple and hope that years from now, you’ll look back on your memories here at Porter’s just as fondly.
Photo courtesy of Gloucester-Mathews Gazette-Journal
