Chris Pastena

Chris Pastena is a prominent restaurateur in Oakland, California. He is the owner and operator of several well-known establishments in the area, including Chop Bar and Calavera.13

Restaurant Portfolio

Pastena's culinary ventures include:

• Chop Bar: This is one of his flagship restaurants, which recently moved to a new location with a larger kitchen, allowing for an expanded menu.2
• Calavera: Another successful establishment under his ownership.3
• Tribune Tavern: A former venture in his restaurant portfolio.4
• Lungomare: Previously part of his restaurant group.4

Career Background

Pastena's journey in the restaurant industry is a classic tale of working his way up:

• He started as a dishwasher and progressed through various roles in the industry.4
• Before becoming a restaurant owner, he gained experience in management positions.4
• From 2004 to 2011, he owned Full Plate Consulting, showcasing his expertise in the food service industry.3

Community Involvement

Chris Pastena is known for his commitment to the Oakland community:

• He has prioritized community involvement throughout his career as a restaurateur.4
• Pastena is involved with Community Kitchens, serving on their board and contributing to their mission.4

Personal Background

Although now deeply rooted in Oakland's culinary scene, Pastena is not a native to the area:

• He spent his youth in Manhattan and New Jersey.5
• Despite not having direct ties to the Bay Area's culinary royalty like Alice Waters, Pastena has set his sights on making a lasting impact on Oakland's food culture.5

Chris Pastena's LinkedIn username is chris-pastena-6ab36a1, as mentioned in the query. His career trajectory from dishwasher to successful restaurant owner and operator demonstrates his dedication to the culinary arts and his entrepreneurial spirit in the Oakland restaurant scene.