He cut his teeth beginning early in quick-service breakfast spots, then steakhouses, sports bars, bakeries, and fine dining throughout the city of Portland.

In 2008, Hayes and his wife launched Dandelion Catering, with the intent of providing restaurant quality, locally sourced cuisine at full-service events such as weddings, in an industry primarily known for relying on premade and frozen ingredients.

[2] In March 2018, prior to his first restaurant opening, Hayes appeared on Food Network's long-running series Chopped to compete in a pork-themed episode, which he won, utilizing such whole animal parts such as pork brains, cheeks, blood pudding, lardo, and more.

[6] In July 2019, Hayes and his wife opened The Garrison, an intimate restaurant perched on the Royal River in Yarmouth, Maine,[2] to critical and regional success.

The branding paid off when an historic Main Street property became available and Thoroughfare moved its operation and launched its own storefront, patio, and take-out window.