When Paul Prager first set foot in Talbot County nearly two decades ago, he didn’t come as an investor. He came as a weekend resident, drawn by the region’s understated elegance and close-knit community.
Today, Prager’s vision has evolved into Bluepoint Hospitality, a flourishing network of high-end culinary, retail, and cultural establishments that have helped reshape Easton’s downtown and beyond.
New Vision for a Historic Town
During the economic downturn of 2007–2008, Easton’s once-bustling downtown was littered with empty storefronts and tired façades. Prager saw not only a need — but an opportunity.
“There were a lot of empty storefronts,” Prager recalls. “They needed an investor that was prepared to buy in, rejuvenate these buildings, renovate them, restore them, give them life — and then put businesses back into them.”
Instead of simply leasing the spaces, Prager took an unconventional approach: he built the businesses himself. Bluepoint Hospitality became not just a property development initiative, but a creative force aimed at injecting vibrancy, foot traffic, and top-tier dining and retail into the heart of Easton.
A Passion Turned Mission
Despite a successful career in the energy sector—Prager’s “day job” is owning and operating power plants—hospitality has long been a personal passion. “Food and wine have always been something I participated in and loved,” he says.
But this wasn’t just a personal indulgence. Prager believed that creating world-class dining experiences could help reshape how locals and visitors viewed downtown Easton.
“You get that feeling of a small city here — lots of people walking around,” Prager explains. “Hospitality is the way to do it.”
James Beard Recognition
At the heart of Bluepoint’s culinary reputation is Harley Peet, the group’s executive chef and a James Beard Award winner. But for Prager, it’s not just Peet’s accolades that stand out.
“Harley’s just one of the finest guys I know,” Prager says. “He’s a spectacular man—integrity, skills, creative—and he’s enabled a hospitality group on the culinary side that is responsible and decent and good.”
Peet’s leadership has created a culture that stands apart in an industry often known for its intensity. Under his guidance, Bluepoint’s kitchens operate more like families than frenetic brigades—resulting in fine dining with soul.
Economic and Cultural Ripple Effects
Bluepoint’s influence on Easton stretches far beyond elegant meals and stylish interiors. With more than 150 local employees, the company is one of the area’s major private employers—and pays well above average.
“We’re all local here at Bluepoint,” Prager notes. “We’ve trained these folks. They’ve become elevated in how they think and want to perform their job.”
From job creation to beautifying the streetscape with reimagined buildings and curated flower beds, Bluepoint has become synonymous with revitalization. Prager believes the company’s work has made it easier for other entrepreneurs to take a chance on Easton: “There’s a foundation of enterprise and business in the community that others can now lean into.”
From Books to Bread
Beyond dining, Bluepoint’s ventures include a bookstore, a bakery, and even an ice cream shop—each crafted with care and curated with intention. One of Prager’s personal favorites is the bookstore, Flying Cloud.
“I was here when we lost our bookstore” Prager remembers. “And I thought, how could you have a town without a bookstore?”
The children’s section, in particular, has become a source of pride. “Today it’s so easy to do other things—devices, screens—but to actually catch a moment and read a book, it’s pretty amazing.”
Bluepoint also transformed the Prager Auditorium, a historic downtown theater that has become home to performances by artists of international acclaim. Partnering with Chesapeake Music and launching the Gabriela Montero Series, the auditorium now draws patrons from New York, D.C., and beyond.
“They come into town, stay at the Bartlett Pear, eat at our restaurants, and walk around Easton—and they’re blown away,” Prager observes.
On the Horizon
Despite Bluepoint’s rapid expansion, Prager is far from finished. Coming soon: a vineyard and winery, a farm-based goat cheese operation, and the revival of the Washington Street Pub—a beloved local institution.
“We’re turning it into a great pub,” Prager says. “Not fancy. For the community. For the working man and woman.”
Bluepoint is also expanding its pasta and wine bar concept and moving popular pizza shop Roma into a new space for expanded seating.
A Culture of Excellence and Respect
At the heart of Bluepoint’s success is a culture of excellence. “There’s only one way to do it—the right way,” Prager says. He credits his upbringing, time at the Naval Academy, and years in business for this guiding principle.
His teams—from chefs to servers to architects—work with the best tools, materials, and support. It shows. And it’s one reason why people stay—Bluepoint’s employee retention is remarkably high, a rarity in the hospitality industry.
Rooted in the Community
For Prager, it all comes back to people. Whether it’s the staff in his restaurants, the bankers who helped finance early purchases, or the parents of his children’s classmates, the fabric of Talbot County has made it all possible.
“If you take a look at what we’ve all accomplished in a short period of time—it’s amazing. I don’t think we could have done this in many other communities.”
Future plans may even include a hotel to better accommodate visitors drawn by Easton’s growing cultural cachet. But for now, Prager and his team are focused on perfecting what’s already in motion. That joy, that sense of community and possibility—that’s the real gift that Bluepoint Hospitality has given to Easton.
“There’s a lot on our plate,” Prager says. “But it’s a lot of fun.”
About Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism
The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.
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