404 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
614-484-5286
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.
CJ AMADI
Director of Restaurants
CJ’s Nigerian and Canadian roots helped build his passion for people, culture and hospitality. Most recently, CJ served as a Director of Operations for Luxe23, the opening General Manager of Goodale Station, Food and Beverage Manager of Canopy by Hilton and General Manager of Forno Kitchen and Bar. In his free time, CJ enjoys time with his wife and his two dogs, fitness training, attending sporting events and traveling.
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.
Randi Lopez
Assistant General Manager
Randi’s passion for hospitality begins with taking care of the people who take care of people. She believes that being in service of others is the highest form of gratitude and humility. She takes pride in representing Latina leadership in hospitality and lending her over 20 years of experience to her team. In her free time, you will probably find her in her flower garden.
rustun nichols
Beverage Director
Rustun comes to us via Brooklyn and Seattle. A relative newcomer 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.
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