Francisco R.

Francisco, known as “Paco,” was born in Guanajuato, Mexico. He began working in kitchens when he was just 15 years old and joined Eataly Chicago in 2014 as a Line Cook. Paco’s love for cooking and passion for quality food has made him a pivotal member of the Eataly Chicago team and has allowed him to excel in the kitchen.

Over the course of the years, Paco was promoted within the Culinary Department, moving up from a Line Cook position to become a Sous Chef and ultimately a Sous Chef Manager. He has worked across various restaurant kitchens at Eataly Chicago and intimately knows our operations and menus.

Paco goes above and beyond to assist wherever he can, from helping control ordering and waste to managing members of different teams. His commitment to demonstrating an admirable work ethic makes him a role model and mentor for members of our Eatalian Culinary Team.

What have been your favorite memories at Eataly?
“Some of my favorite memories are from those busy days when the store was full of energy. There’s something special about working in a packed restaurant. I’ve also been fortunate to build great working relationships with incredible mentors like Chef Bekah, Chef Rob, Chef Eli, and Chef Sam. Their mentorship helped me fall in love with this profession and has been a huge influence on my career. And, of course, participating in team events like marathons has also been memorable.”

What is your favorite part of your job?
“I love the rush of a busy service, working alongside my team, and seeing everything come together. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help develop our team, guiding them to improve their skills and confidence in the kitchen.”

What have you learned while working at Eataly?
“Eataly has taught me how to cook authentic Italian dishes and understand the philosophy behind them—respect for ingredients, simplicity, and the importance of quality.”

Outside of Eataly, what do you enjoy doing?
“I love spending time with my family. Cooking together at home is one of our favorite things to do—it’s where my love for food and my family come together.”