the team

THE TEAM

SEBASTIAN LA ROCCA

Executive Chef

Sebastián is a renowned Argentine chef with Italian roots and a nomadic heart, currently ranked by the Miami Times as one of the 50 most influential Latin chefs in the world, among many other accolades. He is also the Chef/Owner of the Eat Gastro Group which includes four distinct restaurants in Costa Rica including Botaniko, a live fire restaurant. In 2021, Botaniko was ranked 50 Best Discovery by S Pellegrino.

CRAIG STEEL

General Manager

Craig is an award winning restaurant developer, leader and team-builder with a passion for hospitality and service excellence. Born in England, raised in the Philadelphia restaurant scene and most recently building & leading successful, decorated operations in South Florida, Craig now sets his sights on creating a new presence of Hilton Food & Beverage in Columbus. His most recent project, #1 locally ranked Galley Bar & Grill at Hilton West Palm Beach, currently sits as Hilton's 2021 Top Restaurant in the Americas.

BEN MCNUTT

Executive Sous Chef

Ben has been working in the Columbus food scene for 20 years studying under talented local chefs. He started cooking when he was 15 years old for friends and family. Over the years his interest in cooking and growing food grew exponentially. He grows and preserves his own tomatoes, chilis, garlic and more. Being obsessed with scratch cooking, preservation and cultivation led him to pursue his passion in the culinary arts. He enjoys the constant challenge of learning and perfecting new cooking techniques.

rustun nichols

Beverage Director

Rustun comes to us via Brooklyn and Seattle. A relative new comer to the Midwest, he brings 20+ years of hospitality experience. Most recently, Rustun served as the Beverage Director at Spring Studios, The Wythe Hotel, Our/New York Distillery and The AC Hotel in Columbus. While not mixing up new ideas for the bar or designing wine menus, Rustun enjoys time with his wife and daughter, a hard-fought pro-wrestling match, a daytime baseball game and bowl of Cincinnati Chili.

Want to ignite your career & join this talented team? See current job openings