Chef Bio: Francisco Moran

FRANCISCO MORAN

Francisco Moran Chef Paco’s story is one of true grit and hard work.

His career started at the age of 18 as he learned he was becoming a father. He needed a profession that he could learn quickly, so he got a job as a dishwasher for Wolfgang Puck at Sony Studios.

What started as a financial decision to support his family quickly turned into his passion. He was getting more and more exposed to ingredients and cooking, soon Paco learned to appreciate them and fell in love with the profession.

Paco went on to study at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, but his real education came when he started working for Patina Restaurant Group. He spent 13 years there, working at all their restaurants in Los Angeles and Orange County but most notably at the Walt Disney Concert Hall restaurant.

In 2012 Paco got an opportunity to work abroad in San Sebastián at the 3 Michelin star restaurant Martin Berasategui. Once he returned to Los Angeles, he got his first Sous Chef position with Patina Restaurant Group.

In 2021 Paco joined LA Cha Cha Chá as Chef de Cuisine. With creative freedom in a Latin kitchen, Paco found a link to his culture and upbringing, which made him thrive. He tapped into his memories of growing up in Watts with immigrant parents from El Salvador who kept their traditions alive by celebrating with food. This was the moment when 15 years of working in kitchens and honing his skills matched with his culture and home. It didn’t take long before he became the Executive Chef at LA Cha Cha Chá.

Paco’s success in LA Cha Cha Chá cemented a confidence within the Restaurant Group to open a second restaurant with Paco at the helm. In 2023 Loreto and Mariscos Za Za Zá opened with Paco as the Executive Chef. Currently Paco runs three successful restaurants and leads an amazing team of Chefs.

Chef Bio: Francisco Moran

FRANCISCO MORAN

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