Story

Chad Gardner, is a renowned Chef, and Restaurateur most recently from Palm Springs, California and has now made Puerto Vallarata his home.. With over two decades of expertise in fine dining hospitality, Gardner, a culinary artist, and hospitality consultant, has left his mark on establishments like 1501 Uptown Gastropub, Willies Modern Fare, Sol y Sombra, The Paloma Hotel, 533 Viet Fusion, Roly China Fusion, as well as his catering and events company, Dash and a Handful. Fueled by a passion for entertaining, Chad is dedicated to crafting unparalleled and memorable experiences of the highest quality for his clients and guests. His extensive background in hospitality bring a unique touch to the realms of food and hospitality.

Chad Gardner's roots trace back to Northern California, nestled in the picturesque Sonoma Wine Country. His family ventured into the restaurant business, operating chef-driven establishments long before the term "farm-to-table" gained popularity.

A seasoned professional in the hospitality industry for many years, Chad kickstarted his own journey at the prestigious 5-star, 5-diamond Four Seasons Clift Hotel in San Francisco—a remarkable feat as the sole property holding such accolades in the Bay Area at that time. This experience instilled in him an unwavering commitment to elevated service and quality, a hallmark that has defined his entire career.

Chad extended his expertise to manage and consult for various establishments in Sonoma County, the Bay Area, and New York. Notable among them were John Ash and Co, Applewood Inn, and Tuscan Square in Rockefeller Center.

Later, Chad brought his expertise to Southern California, founding Dash and a Handful Catering to provide hospitality and execute high quality events, weddings and corporatate events, leaving an indelible mark with his culinary and hospitality prowess.