Perched on the wall above the vinyl booths is an enormous black-and-white photograph of a curly-furred goldendoodle, tongue lolling and eyes bright. Hidden beneath the photo is a plaque proclaiming her the “best dog ever.”

Though Chumley passed away in 2016, she is the namesake for the newest restaurant in Padanaram Village, opened by owners Julie and Jordan Hitch.

"We love the name. We love the dog," said Julie.

The menu, created by Julie, was inspired by much of the healthy and casual dishes she prepares at home. Jordan loves burgers and casual dining, something they both felt Padanaram lacked. On May 18, they opened the restaurant at 321 Elm Street to fill that void themselves, said Julie.

Chumley's general manager, Cadena Ragsdale, handles day-to-day operations while her husband, Troy, works in the kitchen serving up specialty sandwiches, salads, and lobster rolls.

The entire restaurant came together in about six months, Ragsdale said. Talks with the owner began in the fall and by December, the location was undergoing construction. Months before opening, neighbors were buzzing about the restaurant. Passersby would often stop to ask about when Chumley’s would finally be open for business, said Ragsdale.

Chumley’s boasts organic ingredients, fresh bread delivered daily, and salad dressings and sauces made from scratch. The restaurant’s modern and minimalistic interior contrasts with the homier destinations visible from the patio area.