Meet Juan (Tony Z.) Zermeno

We were lucky to catch up with Juan (Tony Z.) Zermeno recently and have shared our conversation below.

Juan (Tony Z.) , thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

My generosity comes from working alongside many chefs and team members with all kinds of personalities. When in a busy kitchen I soon realized that everyone has different strengths, experiences and stories which makes everyone unique. So with this, it has taught me to be understanding, to help others when they need it, and give the same support I once needed.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Something I really enjoy about my job is the joy of cooking for both my family and our guests. I love knowing that people get to experience different flavors and blends that I’ve put a lot of thought and care into. Right now, I’m working on a new project menu for the Shade Hotel Banquet Events, which includes fresh recipes and new ingredients that I’m excited for people to try and enjoy.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

In every job, you need love, respect, patience, and real dedication for what you do. That mindset has shaped my journey. I never gave up, even when things were tough, and now it feels almost like a dream when I look back at where I started and see how far I’ve come. It’s a great feeling to know that all my effort and strength brought me to the place I am today.

My advice is simple: work hard, stay dedicated, and keep your passion alive. And to everyone help along the way I say to never give up and be patient. A great chef is built one plate at a time.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

The support from my Family, my wife is something that has been my drive for such a long time at the end of every shift and event and tell them all my achievements and the smiles and the joy in their face of how proud they are of their father keeps me going. No matter the circumstance they are the ones you always have my support without them I wouldn’t be what I am now.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ cheftonyzermeno

Image Credits

Credit: Jessica Jacob’s from ZG (Zislis Group)