TJ Castiello

2025 Nominee

Best in HOSPITALITY

Chef / Owner

Bene's Beef

Professional Impact

TJ Castiello brings over 20 years of culinary expertise to the Lewiston food scene, blending fine-dining precision with a love for approachable, community-focused cuisine. A Boston native with deep family roots in restaurants and bakeries, he has honed his craft from chopping vegetables and washing dishes as a teenager to running his own chef-driven beef shop. TJ emphasizes local sourcing, seasonal creativity, and meticulous execution, transforming a modest space into a culinary destination celebrated for its perfectly cooked, flavor-packed offerings. His hands-on leadership and commitment to quality have made him a standout figure in the region’s restaurant community.

Personal Passions

TJ takes pride in staying true to his roots and honoring culinary traditions while maintaining his authentic voice. Beyond the kitchen, he enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors with his dogs, swimming or relaxing at local lakes, and experimenting with cooking at home. His personal and professional philosophy reflects a balance of craft, creativity, and connection, rooted in family, tradition, and a love of good food.

Love for Androscoggin

Though relatively new to Androscoggin County, TJ has quickly embraced the area’s outdoor and culinary offerings. He enjoys summer outings to Range Pond in Poland and seeks out local flavors like Simone’s hot dogs in Lewiston. His experience reflects an appreciation for the region’s community spirit, natural beauty, and growing food culture, and he is eager to continue discovering all that Androscoggin has to offer.