Meet Toni Gordillo | Executive corporate Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Toni Gordillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Toni, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
The number one thing about my industry that outsiders don’t know is:

There’s multiple things like long very long hours, constantly on the move, you basically adopt a whole new family of 40 individuals more or less per location.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career oh where to start.

It began as a young man with no vision, I got my first job as a busser for a summer job, never for me from the start. Then I went into the kitchen to test the waters and never looked back. I come from a very hard working immigrant family looking for a better life style. Once in the kitchen I got to meet my mentor Chef ZZ who took me under his wing and showed me everything I know now. Working long hours and tough situations but I was never the one to break. Till this day I haven’t slowed down one step. Worked in many restaurants and moving up the rankings from pre cook to line cook. Then the opportunity to becoming a sous chef came along at the age of 19, got my first title then and it was the best feeling. Everyone was so proud of me. Then worked even harder and move up to chef, then corporate chef and now executive corporate chef. This whole time has been very very tough and exhausting but I was made for it all.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My list is endless but I’ll keep it short.
For brunch I would take them to this place in down town Phoenix by the name of Matt’s big breakfast, there’s also a new place name Butters that’s really good also. For lunch I would always take them for tacos. My friends taco shop is the best and the name is Taco Chelo in downtown Phoenix, or chula seafood. For dinner I go to either buck and rider or tia carmen.

But my favorite of all is Shorebird in Sedona maybe that’s because that’s where I’m based at lol

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s a handful of people that I owe everything to:

My children specially, my family, chef ZZ, Heinrich and friends.

These people have encouraged me to do my best day in day out. Never double doubted me.

Instagram: @cheftoniwildrhyme

Linkedin: Toni Gordillo

Image Credits
Genaro delgadillo