in the aftermath of the ida flood, the now co-owners of bernadette, melody and ryan, found their paths converging. as melody worked tirelessly to salvage the basement at her business, black drop coffee, a chance exchange of cold brew for wine sparked their friendship. when ryan, then working at the renowned caymus winery in napa, half-jokingly noted, "what we need…is a place to go drink,” that was the beginning of their joke-turned-reality of opening a cocktail parlor in scotch plains.

after a series of events—including an offer to purchase a liquor license and lease the space—they took it as a sign. melody's vision and business acumen complement ryan's depth of restaurant and kitchen experience. turning adversity into opportunity, the two have created bernadette, a space that embodies a shared vision for dining in their community.