Our Team

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.

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.

COO - Kayleigh Kahn

After graduating with a sociology degree from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, Kayleigh moved to Brooklyn and spent a year working in the local food scene there. Looking for a larger food community and a milder climate, she moved to the Bay Area in 2015 and started working at Luke’s Local. Kayleigh has always loved food, and tries to cook and eat new recipes as often as possible. She’s passionate about nutrition, public health, and changing the food system for the better. When she’s not snacking at the Fox Den, you can find her in a local yoga class or hiking in Marin.

Ecommerce Manager - Caroline Bonham

Caroline is a Bay Area native. 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. When Shay isn’t at the store, she enjoys spending her days off with her boyfriend, two pups, and tight knit family. 

Central Butcher - 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 spending time with his maltipoo pup.

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.

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.

Floor Supervisor - Vinny Vizcaino

Vince, another Bay Area born and raised local.

 

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 - 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.

Associate Grocery Buyer - John David

John David, or simply JD, moseyed on over from Georgia where he grew up. He had no real reason for moving to San Francisco other than, “why not?” Having worked at plenty of other grocery stores, JD is a natural fit to join the team at Luke’s. He is an avid runner and is usually gearing up for his next marathon. When he’s not on the run, JD enjoys hiking and visiting National Parks, his favorite being Yellowstone.

Grocery Stocker - 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 - 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! 

Cashier - 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 the SF after feeling like she missed out on so much. On her days off, Shannan enjoys exploring the city, hanging out outside and taking the town by bike.

Cashier - Snow Martin

Los Angeles native, Snow, moved up to the north to attend UC Santa Cruz (he's a banana slug!) He decided to continue meandering on up and found himself in San Francisco. Snow, on his weekends enjoys listening to Death Metal, watching horror movies and slam dancing.

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 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.

Same Day Delivery Driver - Ernie Guisande

Ernie was born and raised in the Bay Area. He spent some time away from the States and lived in both the Philippines and Spain. Before coming to Luke’s as a delivery driver, Ernie worked in the local bar scene and previously owned his own chauffeur service. On his days off, Ernie likes to hit the golf course for tee time and spend time with his son.

 

Deli Team Member - Anahi Mejia

Anahi, originally from Southern California, moved to San Francisco initially because her small circle of friends told her that she "looked" like she was from the city. That prompted her to apply for school here which landed her at San Francisco State University studying Political Science. Her dream is to have a seat in the House of Representatives. When she’s not at work or school, you can find Anahi cruising around the city with her boyfriend.

Produce Stocker - Edwin Guillen 

Edwin was born and raised in Yucatan, Mexico where he worked in grocery and at farmer’s markets. He came to the States on a whim where he made the move to working in restaurants. Edwin joined the produce team at Luke’s and loves working with fruits and vegetables because it brings him fond memories of home. He loves being active and usually commutes to work on his bike. While he finds work and being active to be part of his day to day, Edwin loves kicking back and vegging out while playing video games.

Barista - Lily Hardy

Lily, hailing originally from Seattle, moved to San Francisco to escape to another city and embark on a new journey. She is very much into art and has taken up figure and monster painting recently. When she has the time and the opportunity, Lily enjoys travel. She's visited about 25 different countries with her favorite being Sri Lanka.

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.