Our Team
We're a small group of passionate, hard-working people who believe in the power of quality ingredients, local community, and good food.
Our creative culinary team whips up delicious new dishes everyday, our neighborhood market teams keep the shelves stocked with the best from our kitchen, local farms, and food-makers, and our dedicated delivery team brings it right to your door.
CEO/FOUNDER - LUKE OPPENHEIM
As the youngest son of Tom & Kate Chappell, founders of Tom's of Maine, building a values based business runs deep for Luke. He believes in the power of building community by connecting customers with a network of hard-working and responsible food makers to bring the spirit of discovery, creativity, and joy into their kitchens. From line cook, to driver, to barista, to cashier, to controller Luke has persevered through a pivotal time for grocery since founding the company in 2010. With his team he is pioneering a vision for the future of grocery. Outside of work Luke enjoys time with his wife Jaymie and newborn son, Charlie.
EXECUTIVE CHEF - PAULA MCDADE
Korean-born and D.C.-raised Chef Paula McDade got her first job in restaurants at 15 before heading to the French Culinary Institute in NYC a few years later. She got her cooking chops at highly regarded institutions such as Gramercy Tavern in NYC, Quince in SF, and the Boot & Shoe Service in Oakland. Her time in these restaurants and her Korean background greatly influence her cooking style: big flavors, locally sourced produce, and above all, respect for the ingredients. Paula joined Luke's as a part-time Butcher; from there, she became the Head of the Meat Department before being promoted to Executive Chef to run the Luke's Local culinary program!
SOUS CHEF - SAM ADAMS
Sam Adams, a Bay Area born and raised native, started cooking in his family owned restaurant of 40 years at the young age of 11. With his love of food and passion for the artistry of baking, he would soon seek out the best of both worlds with the goal of becoming a talented chef with unlimited abilities. After graduating from The California Culinary Academy in 2003, he continued to hone his culinary craft throughout the city of San Francisco, the Bay Area and Pennsylvania by working for restaurants like Copenhagen Bakery, Chris’s Restaurant and Fine Catering, Blissful Kitchen, Lilah Belle’s and Bakesale Betty’s - to name a few. His passion for healthy, bold and “flavor bursting” meals is inspired by his love and dedication for fitness and nutrition. His motto “when you put good in, it will show” is his driving force to create locally farmed and sustainably harvested dishes that are not only delicious, but also nourish the mind, body and soul. Sam is eager to share his favorite dishes and excited to work with the amazing chef team at Luke’s Local.
MARKETING & CONTENT LEAD - EMILY LUBOMIRSKY
A daughter of Ukrainian-Jewish immigrants, Emily knew from a very early age that the most interesting place to be in any house is the kitchen. After moving up to the Bay Area and working at high-end grocery retail through college, she realized she wanted to pursue working in the food world full time. Emily joined Luke's as a delivery driver. Since then, she's taken on the roles of Customer Experience Associate, Customer Experience Manager, and - most recently - Marketing & Content Lead. On the weekends, Emily enjoys going on day trips around the Bay Area, cooking with her friends and family, and hanging out with her baby nephews.
COMMISSARY OPERATIONS MANAGER - DUSTIN VAUGHT
Dustin grew up in the swamps and the coastal plains of Georgia, which exposed him early on to BBQ and seafood. He has spent the better part of the last decade working in and around restaurants. After college, he decided to dedicate himself full time to the craft and remains excited to always be learning more about the culinary arts. He’s a newlywed and a recent transplant to the Bay Area. His wife accepted a job as a Professor and finally dragged him out of the swamp for good. Dustin joined Luke's as a delivery driver, but has gone on to hold many positions, including Barista, Deli Supervisor, Deli Manager, Butcher, Kitchen Supervisor, and - currently - Commissary Operations Manager.
CONTROLLER & HR MANAGER - SCOTT STERN
Scott, raised in Southern Florida and a University of Florida alum, found himself settling in the Bay Area after he and his girlfriend drove across the country from coast to coast. Scott worked for Amazon and the Real Food Company before joining Luke’s Local as a Controller. Working for a grocery company, it’s no surprise that Scott his time outside of work eating at places all around the Bay. He’s also a handy guy interested in technology: specifically buying, fixing, and selling scooters and other electronics.
CENTRAL PRODUCE BUYER - TROY DELANEY
Troy has dedicated nearly the past two decades (his entire working career!) to the organic & local produce industry. He proudly serves the community of Cole Valley, 10 years on and counting, having previously managed the produce department at legacy business Real Food Co., before bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to Luke’s Local. Troy joined Luke's Local as our Produce Buyer; when we opened our second location in Cow Hollow, Troy stepped up to take on the role of Central Produce Buyer, managing the entire Produce program for Luke's. Troy is part of an amazing team that brings an authentic and sustainable 21st-century food business to life. Off the clock, Troy plays drums in a local rock band and is as passionate about music as he is about organic fruit & veg; they are both necessary to nourish the soul and body.
ASSOCIATE PRODUCE BUYER - TOBEN
Toben moved to California from Colorado to attend graduate school. He earned his Master's of Fine Arts in Writing at the University of San Francisco. Toben, along with his girlfriend of 13 years, have found a home here in the city. Toben keeps it low key and is a vegetarian who takes his produce very seriously.
CTO - TOMÁS GUTIÉRREZ
Tomás has been creating digital products for over a decade. Originally from Colombia, he joined his first tech company while finishing his comp-sci/engineering and entrepreneurship & management degree at University of Minnesota. He spent 6 years working his way into the executive ranks at Accenture as part of the Architecture Innovation group, where he led the architecture design, delivery, and operations for multiple high profile web apps for world renowned clients. After some worldwide adventuring and soul searching, Tomás found his way to San Francisco, where he joined Scalable Path at its infancy. There he worked to grow the organization to what it is today, and led many product development projects for clients. At the same time, he’s a serial entrepreneur with a few ideas out in the market, as well as always playing with new ones when time allows. Tomás is also a helpless autodidact, nutrition-health-wellness nut, technology aficionado, philosophically bent, squash addicted, adventure seeking, and nature loving human.
BUYING & MERCHANDISING MANAGER - PAUL TRIPP
Paul, originally from Seattle, has been living and working in the Bay Area for 17+ years. He attended Culinary and Baking & Pastry school in Rhode Island and spent 10 years working in restaurants and bakeries. He also worked with Hidden Star Orchard, working at farmers markets for 8 years before managing the farm’s operations. He joined the Luke’s Local Operations Team in October 2016. Since then, he has been a cornerstone of the Luke's Local operations and buying teams. From Produce Buyer, to Director of Operations, to his current role, Buying & Merchandising Manager, Paul ensures thoughtful sourcing and smooth operations across both locations. In his free time, Paul enjoys rock climbing, gardening, cooking, hiking, and keeping the coffee flowing at the Fox Den.
COO - KAYLEIGH KAHN
In search of a larger food community and a milder climate, Kayleigh moved from Brooklyn to the Bay Area in 2015. She started working at Luke’s Local as the Customer Experience Associate; over the years, she's moved into roles as the Customer Experience Manager, Director of Ecommerce, and finally COO. Kayleigh is passionate about public health and changing the food system for the better... and eating. Eating is one of Kayleigh's top 3 favorite activities, so you can usually find her with a sandwich or snack nearby.
ECOMMERCE MANAGER - CAROLINE BONHAM
Caroline is a Bay Area native. Caroline joined Luke's Local as our Customer Experience Associate and soon stepped into her role of Ecommerce Manager, managing our Same-Day app and Delivery and Pick-Up service. She is friendly but intimidating. Likes monochromatic outfits, dive bars, and currently obsessed with David Bowie. Loves food but bad at eating.
STORE MANAGER - SHAY PEREZ
Shay, born in the Philippines, settled into the Bay Area, specifically the East Bay, at a very young age. Prior to working in grocery stores, Shay studied nursing and worked in nursing care facilities. She is friendly and very approachable, you can usually see her chatting up customers whom she is always on a first name basis with. Shay joined Luke's Local as a Front End Supervisor, and soon took on the role of Floor Supervisor before being promoted to Cole Valley Store Manager! When Shay isn’t at the store, she enjoys spending her days off with her boyfriend, two pups, and tight knit family.
STORE MANAGER - ALEJANDRO PALOMARES
San Francisco born and raised, Alejandro's passion for food began as a child, watching him mother prepare and cook so many amazing traditional Mexican dishes. Alejandro's career in food took him all over the world tasting amazing cuisine in countries such as Japan, and Australia to mention a few, while working with companies such as Starbucks Coffee Company, and Peet's Coffee. When Alejandro is not busy eating or staying heavily caffeinated, he loves spending his time exploring new and exciting hiking trails, restaurants, a glass of wine with his boyfriend, and can be found playing with his son, poodle.
LINE MANAGER - NATE VASQUEZ
Nate’s 13-year meat career in the Bay Area includes every facet of the industry imaginable from meat clerk, manager, and butcher supervisor. His knowledge of whole animal butchery and local farming practices has been acquired from rubbing elbows with all walks of life in the food industry from old school butchers, seasoned chefs and even line cooks. When not at the butcher's block, Nate enjoys listening to records, sketching, and making music.
FRONT END DEVELOPER - JORDAN AYALA
Born in the heart of South America, otherwise known as Paraguay. Jordan is a software engineer with a passion for building apps and learning about all sorts of things. In his free time you can find him at the gym or at his mancave playing video games.
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LEAD DEVELOPER - RUDI ULLON
Born and raised in Paraguay, he loves data as much as he loves coffee and traveling. Rudi made a career in the military before he moved on to pursue his love for technology and innovation. Before joining Luke's, he worked for companies in every continent and founded a couple of startups, and after several years in the grocery/food delivery industry, according to his own words, he "found home" in Luke's Local.
CFO - PETE HELLWIG
Pete is passionate about the intersection of personal health, food systems and climate change. He loves working with Luke’s Local because of its emphasis on supporting local suppliers and providing its customers with food that nourishes the mind, body and soul.
CENTRAL ALCOHOL BUYER - KEVIN LEMON
Kevin
DAIRY BUYER & CHEESEMONGER - EVAN MCLEAN
Evan is often found reading the encyclopedia, not for fun but for a sense of accomplishment. Originally from the Boston area, Evan moved to San Francisco to achieve a higher education not found in books. Eventually, his love of specialty foods blossomed and he decided to pursue his career in cheese. On his days off, Evan can be found humming the Six Flags theme sing and riding his bike, often at the same time.
CENTRAL GROCERY BUYER - JASON PANELLI
Jason is a rare breed and native San Franciscan! Born and raised in North Beach, he grew up around food as his family owned an Italian deli/market for 82 years! After an almost 20 year career in the retail wine and spirits industry, he decided to make a change and circled back to what seemed to be a natural transition into retail grocery. Jason comes to Luke's after stints at the Real Food Co. in Cow Hollow and Gus's Haight Street Market. In his free time, he enjoys to cooking, listening to music and is a devoted sports fan with the Dodgers, Lakers and Buccaneers being his teams of choice.
LINE COOK - PATRICIA RODRIGUEZ
Patricia, a San Francisco resident for 20 years, has 3 sons and a boyfriend. She’s worked at many restaurants as a line cook for about 13 years, as well as a teacher’s assistant in classrooms of 3 to 5-year-olds - though her real passion is cooking. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her family in the park, running, and going to Zumba classes. She also loves to watch her son play soccer every Saturday, and she loves cooking for her family every evening. She’s very proud to be a part of Luke’s Local; she learns more about cooking every day from everyone on the team. For Patricia, it’s really important to cook with love and patience so that the food is delicious.
PREP COOK - ANTONIO KAUIL
Antonio Kauil is from Yucatan, Mexico and has lived in San Francisco for the past 9 years. He’s married with 4 sons, 3 of whom are already in college. He has two jobs and works hard to save money to pay for his sons’ education and to start his own business someday in the future in Mexico. In Mexico, he was a farmer and grew corn, tomatoes, watermelons, peanuts, and many other vegetables. In his free time, he likes to watch sports, go for walks by the beach, and cook at home.
DISHWASHER - LUIS VILLANUEVA
Luis, born and raised in Peru, made his way to the states by way of California. He is still very new to the country, but couldn't wait to move to San Francisco. Luis is a pretty quiet guy and mainly keeps to himself at the Fox Den. He enjoys hanging out with friends and listening to new music on his days off. Luis is looking forward to learning more from his peers and is very excited for his future.
DELI TEAM MEMBER - CHE-NIYA MINOR
Che-Niya having a philosophy major, absolutely loves eating and cooking food. She loves movies and cinematography. Hopes to retire and settle down in Greece one day.
LINE COOK - EDDY PINTO
Eddie is originally from Honduras, but really identifies as a San Franciscan as he has spent most of his life in the city. You can hear when Eddie is around as he is usually cracking jokes and keeping the energy high at the Fox Den. Before coming to Luke’s, Eddie worked mostly in bars and looks forward to returning to them when he can. On his days off, Eddie likes exploring the city on his bike and spending time with friends and family.
ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER - VINNY VIZCAINO
Vince was morn and raised in Madera, CA. He made his way over to San Francisco to study graphic design at SF State. Prior to working at Luke's Vince used to work as the Food & Bev Supervisor on Alcatraz cruises. When he's not filling in around the store Vince enjoys playing video games, listening to music and reading comics.
CASHIER LEAD - ALEX JUNG
Alex grew up just a little ways away down the coast in Pacifica. He decided that the city was for him and moved to San Francisco. He’s married with two little dogs that he loves to hang out and play with. When he is not keeping the line of people flowing at the store, Alex, a self-described video game enthusiast, spends his free time playing a variety of different consoles in all different genres.
CASHIER LEAD - MARY ACOSTA FLANDEZ
Mary found a home here in San Francisco with her family seeking better opportunities, after moving from the Dominican Republic 10 years ago. Having worked in the surrounding neighborhoods, she found herself at Luke’s. When she’s not working, you can find her at the Academy of Art University studying Photography. Mary likes to keep the positive energy going at the store by keeping the fun tunes pumping and dancing behind the register. On her off days you can catch her skating the hills of San Francisco or snapping portraits of friends and family.
CASHIER LEAD - HUGO TRUJEQUE
Hailing from Yucatan, Mexico, Hugo wanted to try his luck and moved to the States just a little over three years ago. Hugo was an English teacher before moving to San Francisco. He enjoys watching movies, reading books and binge watching the latest television show. Hugo is an avid POP Funko collector with a collection that tops at about 130.
CASHIER - RACHEL MANILA
Another Bay Area native, Rachel is working her way through school at San Francisco State University studying Digital Communications. Rachel is an accomplished pianist having played for most of her life, 12 years! She enjoys music and is taking up the ukulele at the moment. As if her creativity isn’t obvious, she also enjoys crafting and is learning how to make macrame.
CASHIER - JULIA LUBAR
Julia, born and raised just outside of Philadelphia, came over to the city to study International Relations over at the University of San Francisco and is looking forward to a future in diplomacy. When she's not busy at the store or buried in the stacks at school, Julia also moonlights as a nanny from time to time. She spends her days off relaxing, spending time with friends and watching her favorite television programs.
CASHIER - LARN HOLMES
Larn moved to San Francisco from Oregon to be closer to her boyfriend. Prior to working at Luke's she was working toward becoming a dog trainer. A cheese enthusiast, Larn originally applied to work with wedges and wheels but Evan beat her to it. You can find Larn dancing behind the register while keeping the line moving at Luke's. An avid painter, her true passion is art and calls her style, "Post Apocalyptic Modern Unrealism.
DELI TEAM MEMBER - DAYLAN VANARSDALE
Daylan
DELI SHIFT LEAD - PATRICK BABCOCK
Patrick
CASHIER - LUKE DE STEFANO
A native San Franciscan that has found a home on both coasts. Currently studying film at CCSF with plans for international studies in the future. Travel and exploring new countries feed his soul.
PRODUCE ASSOCIATE BUYER - DUVALLE COLLINS
Born and Raised in California. Natural born troubleshooter.
DELI TEAM MEMBER - LUIS VEGA
Luis Vega
DELI LEAD TEAM MEMBER - SALEM BELL
Salem
GROCERY BUYER - PAUL WARDEIN
Paul hails from Kansas City, KS, grew up in Fayetteville, AR, and has been a San Francisco resident for 10+ years. When he's not clocking fitbit steps around the store, he's hiking around the Bay Area, exploring Golden Gate Park, and camping. Or, he's being extremely lazy watching the Giants, Warriors, reruns of The Office and Seinfeld he's already seen a million times, and obsessively listening to music and taking care of his plants. He loves long walks on the beach and pizza. Mostly pizza.
BARISTA - ESTHER BESMAN
Esther
DELI TEAM MEMBER - PATRICK REYNA
Patrick, originally from Redlands, CA, moved up to the city to attend San Francisco State University. After toying around there with what major he wanted to pursue he felt it best to enroll in the culinary program at City College. Prior to working at Luke’s, Pat has worked in various kitchens including Daily Grill and Tselogs. When the pandemic hit he was forced to hang his apron up and put his grocery skill to use. Patrick, on his off days, enjoys writing, playing video games and hanging with cat, Zuko.
CASHIER/SAME DAY PACKER - COLTON
Colton
PRODUCE STOCKER - EFRAIN DZUL
Efrain
ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER - SIENNA EASLEY
Moved to San Fransisco from a lil country town to start a fresh new life. Loves to box, has her esthetician license and in her free time she loves to go on random adventures like driving to LA in the middle of the night.
CASHIER - MAYA PATEL
Maya
CASHIER - CHASE MACK
Chase has lived in San Francisco his entire life and recently graduated from a local high school. Chase enjoys watching sports, is a huge Warriors and Niners fan, loves to surf, and his favorite food is Tacos Al Pastor.
GROCERY STOCKER - OBED TINOCO
Obed
CASHIER - DYLAN SECRIST
Dylan is a California native who was born and raised in Lake Tahoe. He moved to San Francisco to escape the monotony of a small town after having visiting plenty of times before. Dylan enjoys sports, his favorite food is sushi and he has a twin!
GROCERY STOCKER - RAMSES ABRAHAM ZUNIGA GARCIA
Ramses
CASHIER - MARCOS DURAN
Marcos Duran
QUALITY CONTROL ASSOCIATE - SHANNAN LEITNER
Shannan was born in San Francisco and raised in Seattle, WA. She made her way back to the city that steals hearts after finishing her studies because she wanted to experience SF after feeling like she missed out on so much. Shannan joined Luke's as a Cashier, but soon took on the role of Quality Control Associate on our Same-Day team. On her days off, Shannan enjoys exploring the city, hanging out outside and taking the town by bike.
DELI TEAM MEMBER - RICKEY SMITH
Rickey is a SF local and upcoming chef who plans to own his own restaurant one day!
PRODUCE STOCKER - EMMA HUGHES
Emma
BUTCHER CLERK - CARLOS
Carlos is proudly hails from Yucatan, Mexico and loves his Mayan heritage. He moved stateside to California years ago for bigger opportunities. Carlos enjoys his time off and loves cruising the hills of SF on his longboard, tending to his bonsai garden and hanging out with his parakeets.
DELI SHIFT LEAD - SAMY
Samy
DELI TEAM MEMBER - DONOVAN PERRY
Donovan made his way from Colorado to escape the midwest and study physics. Prior to joining the team at Luke’s, he worked at a few other grocery markets. Donovan is a dreamer and always looks forward to his next step in life. After spending time in San Francisco, his next destination city is New York where he’ll spend some time there before he pursues his real dream of moving out of the country. Fun fact about Donovan, he lives in the Jimi Hendrix house!
SAME DAY DELIVERY DRIVER - RONY YOC DIAZ
Rony came to San Francisco from Guatemala with his family. Before coming to Luke’s Local, Rony worked mostly in bars and restaurants in the kitchen cooking up delicious cuisines. On his days off, Rony likes to stay active outdoors. When the sun is out and the heat is high, he likes to go for a swim in Lake Merritt.
CASHIER/SAME DAY PACKER - ALEXIS GARRETT
Alexis is from Oceanside, California; where it's always sunny and warm. She loves to bake in her free time, muffins being her favorite baked good. She also loves all Italian food!
FLORIST - BENNY BLOOMS
Benny, born in Southern California and raised in Minnesota, moved to San Francisco for the fun of it. Before working at Luke's, Benny was the Quality Control Manager at Farmgirl Flowers and had an apprenticeship at. When he's not putting together beautiful custom arrangements for Luke's Local, Benny loves watching drag queens lip sync for their life on RuPaul's Drag Race.
DELI TEAM MEMBER - BRENNAN
Brennan grew up in southern California and just moved to the city. He is always looking to meet new people, skate, or take photos whenever he has the opportunity. He is happy to be working at Luke’s and hopes to get the chance to connect with all of his new co-workers.
DELI TEAM MEMBER - JAKE
Jake
BARISTA - CHANCE SCHWAB
Born in Oklahoma, from Texas and raised in Virginia, Chance knew he always wanted to work around food. After graduating from school, he had an appetite for the culinary arts and moved around, working in different states and countries under top chefs at well-known restaurants and hotels. His passion has brought him to New York, Napa, Spain, and even Scotland. He’s settled in San Francisco but his true dream is to own a restaurant of his own in Los Angeles. Chance is a dog lover and is devoted to his Red Heeler, Kyuu.
CHIEF BARKING OFFICER - KYUU
Likes hugs, is a team player, and morale booster. An independent woman, you can catch Kyuu playing on her breaks at the dog park. Watch out for your heels, she is known for nipping at them as she is a Red Heeler with almost too much energy and not enough playtime.
