Jon was born in southern California but moved to Napa with his parents when he was 8 years old. Family gatherings usually revolved around Southern comfort food with a little wine thrown in for good measure. Jon’s first restaurant job was right out of Vintage High School, working at Mustard’s Grill as a bus person during the summers, while he attended San Diego State University. He finally left San Diego for good in 1994 and moved back to the valley. He worked for the California Cafe and stayed on as it transitioned to the Napa Valley Grille in the late 90s. In 1999, he returned to Mustard’s Grill and then helped Cindy Pawlcyn open what is now Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen.

In 2002, Jon decided to work for the Starbucks Corporation. After 3 years, he took the opportunity, with his two small children to move to Portland, OR where he worked for the McMenamin’s hotel property in Troutdale. When the family got homesick for the Napa Valley, they moved back in 2008. Jon was very excited to have the opportunity to work again with Reed Herrick and Doug Seeley at the Norman Rose Tavern. Together, with Michael Gyetvan they have created a destination restaurant for families, locals and tourists. His two daughters, Elena and Maile think the Mac ‘n’ Cheese is the best!