GALEN ZAMARRA, Co-Founder:

Galen Zamarra, a culinary visionary born in Switzerland and raised in California, was destined for a life in the kitchen. His culinary journey began during high school, where he attended culinary classes at the local community college and honed his skills by working in nearby restaurants during the evenings. After graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Galen embarked on a culinary adventure that would shape his career. He moved to the culinary epicenter of New York City, where he had the privilege of working under the renowned chef David Bouley. Seeking to refine his craft further, Galen relocated to France, where he trained under some of the world's most celebrated chefs, including Georges Blanc, Michel Bras, and Alain Passard. This transformative experience in France instilled in him a profound sense of discipline and passion.

Galen's dedication to his craft paid off when, at the tender age of 24, he assumed the role of chef de cuisine at Bouley Bakery, a New York Times four-star restaurant. Here, he began to infuse his unique culinary style—an exquisite blend of American flavors infused with classic French techniques. In recognition of his outstanding talents, the James Beard Foundation bestowed upon Galen the prestigious title of Rising Star Chef of the Year in 2001.

In April 2004, Galen realized his dream by opening his first restaurant, Mas (farmhouse). The establishment swiftly garnered critical acclaim, with Esquire Magazine dubbing it "one of the best new restaurants in the U.S.," and New York Magazine declaring Galen "the next Jean-Georges." Mas (farmhouse) was hailed as "one of the best new restaurants in New York City."

Galen's culinary journey took him to the North Fork of Long Island in 2016, where he undertook the renovation and launch of The Halyard and the Sound View Greenport. His love for the region's seafood, farms, and wineries inspired a cuisine that truly reflected the area.

In 2019, Galen moved to Park City, Utah, where he oversaw the opening of Auberge Resorts Lodge at Blue Sky, showcasing elevated American cuisine influenced by the diverse cultures that have called Utah home. Today, Galen Zamarra oversees all food and beverage operations for Marcella Club's offerings on Main Street in Park City, including a private membership club and three distinct freestanding restaurants on the Union Plaza.

Beyond his culinary achievements, Mr. Zamarra has graced television screens in the Discovery Channel's "Go Ahead, Make My Dinner" and Food Network's "Chopped." He has also shared his expertise through various educational forums nationwide and contributed articles to esteemed publications such as Gastronomica and Edible Manhattan.

KATIE ZAMARRA, Co-Founder:

Growing up in the New Orleans area, Katie is no novice when it comes to the hospitality business. With a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration, she has spent the last thirty+ years working across the hospitality spectrum. Her career began with the Fairmont Hotel in New Orleans, and then with Hyatt Hotels nationwide. In 1998, Katie moved to Manhattan as the Director of Marketing for The Cornell Club- New York, a private club for Cornell alumni. In 2003, she found the need for hospitality-specific marketing & communication hard to come by and developed her own communications firm, Venue. Now specializing in community lifestyle industries and placemaking, Venue operates successfully on developing strategic plans to meet clients’ individual growth goals. During her tenure, Katie has successfully worked with global CEOs, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, city officials, mayors, VPs of economic development, tourism bureaus, hotel general managers, chefs, sommeliers, interior designers, architects, community activists and communications professionals.

Katie is a founding committee member for the Young Associates of the Metropolitan Opera, National Charity League patroness, an avid Slow Food member, James Beard member, and has chaired numerous charities in NYC, many assisting in rebuilding New Orleans post Katrina. After 22 years in Manhattan, she recently relocated to Park City, Utah with her husband, Galen and their two children.