Manuel brings over 14 years of culinary experience to Hi Neighbor Hospitality. Starting his career with chef Elizabeth Faulkner provided him with a foundation in pastry. After gaining a base level of knowledge, Manuel began working for famed Chef Michael Mina opening Bourbon Steak at the Westin St Francis. Shortly thereafter, Manuel grew within the Mina Group, working at a multitude of concepts including the flagship MICHAEL MINA.

 

After gaining valuable experience with the MINA Group, Manuel moved to Portland to help open restaurants for The Ringside Group, before returning to San Francisco to join Mark Sullivan and the Bacchus Group. Here he gained experience working at the flagship Spruce, as well as assisting at many of their other properties.

 

When the opportunity came to join The Battery, one of SF’s premier private clubs, Manuel jumped at the chance to learn another facet of the business. As the Private Events Chef, Manuel led a kitchen team developing and executing menus for banquets, catering, and more within the private club. In 2019 Manuel joined the Hi Neighbor Group and has been an integral part of the culinary team since. Working at all of the Hi Neighbor Group properties, Manuel has become well rounded and well versed in executing all of the different concepts Hi Neighbor operates.