About the Chef

A native of Monterey County, Rudolfo Ponce grew up working locally in restaurants like Fisherman’s Grotto and Tarpy’s Roadhouse, before settling at the Hyatt Monterey to save money for culinary school. In 2018, he enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, working at the Model Bakery, Acacia House by Chris Cosentino, & Bouchon by Thomas Keller. From there, Rudolfo perfected his pizza skills at Ciccio’s pizzeria in Napa, before returning to Monterey Bay to open his restaurant and hot chicken sandwich popup.