We were lucky to catch up with Jonathan Santiago recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I was a Restaurant chef and worked in the hospitality industry for over 15 years. I loved the restaurant industry, it made me feel comfortable. It may sound crazy but the stress the sense of urgency, the hectic long grind, begin creative i lived for that . But after the Pandemic everything changed. Priorities changed. I enjoyed begin at home with my wife than at work. soon after we were expecting our first child Nathan. Driven and motivated to provide for my family I grinded harder at work, but I soon came to a realization I was watching my son grow up via videos and Facebook posts. Something had to change, I wanted to move into the catering world. I landed a cooking class job where I had stumbled into. as an introvert this was unthinkable but for my family I’d try anything. after a couple months of cooking classes customers had asked me if I could/would do private events in their home. I answered of course for the right price. Then a light bulb went off that this is something I could really do. I had talked to a couple buddies that opened a food truck in my area and referred me to Coachella Valley SBDC Powered by County of Riverside. there i talked one on one with a specialist that helped and walked me through everything i would need to become operational.. i became really excited about this opportunity, i get to cook food that i love to cook and provide a restaurant level service at the comfort of my guests home. This to me is the way to go. My guests get a custom menu tailored to their likes and preferences.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jonathan Santiago, I am a Culinary institute of America Graduate (’12). I have cooked in the restaurant industry for over 15 years. I currently am a private chef, I provide a restaurant level dinning experience in the comfort of your home or if you are out of town in an Air B&B. I work with my guest to create a customized menu to fit their event and budget. we offer a wide range of menu suggestions apps,salads, entrees and deserts. we focus on global cuisines and flavors. I enjoy working with color and I try to make my dishes reflect that. at the day of the event I come in prepare everything and serve you and your guests just like in a restaurant setting. we clean up after every course and most importantly we take care of the dishes

Have you ever had to pivot?

The most crutial time in my life/career is when I was just starting to do a transition from restaurant cook to becoming a culinary instructor for cooking classes. I am/was an introvert. Im shy at first it takes me a while to warm up to people. but in the hectic lifestyle of restaurant industry I learned to come out of my shell quickly, but in that environment you learn to cuss A LOT. Going into a teaching position I knew things had to change. after all I am selling classes then later will be potential clients that would want me in their home. No one wants a foul mouth chef in their home around their kids/family and friends at least I don’t. so I knew the way I talked the way I carried my self and the way I interact with people had to change. Each change in posture, language, and overall thinking helped me later become confident enough to dive into this private chef business. at first its scary but I know that I have God on my side and he is Faithful and has not let me down yet.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

I have only been in the private chef businesses for about 1 year and already have had several repeat customers and referrals.
I have also been doing cooking classes at a kitchen gaget store and at least of half of my guests are repeat customers. its a service they truly enjoy. I have been told that its better than going out to a restaurant, they get to talk to the chef preparing their food, they get to learn a lot and also its just a great time to enjoy everyone’s company without the need waiting on a waiter to bring this or that. in the event/classes all the attention is on you and your guests

Contact Info:

• Instagram: 760globalpalate
• Facebook: 760globalpalate