In celebration of National Culinary Arts Month, we sat down with Executive Chef Alejandro Placeres to talk about his career journey, leadership philosophy, and what it means to build a culinary career at Yaamava'. With deep roots in hospitality and a love for cooking that goes back to his childhood, Chef Alejandro brings passion, discipline, and creativity to every plate and to every Team Member he leads.

From Dishwasher to Executive Chef

Chef Alejandro's culinary path began in Puerto Rico, where his father ran several successful restaurants. He started out washing dishes at one of his father’s restaurants, where he quickly developed a strong interest in food. At the time, he was deciding between his two passions—cars and cooking. He applied to Johnson & Wales University in Miami to study culinary arts, with a personal rule: if he wasn’t accepted, he’d pursue mechanics; he was accepted and never looked back.

After culinary school, he worked in a variety of kitchens and eventually moved to Orlando, taking a role with Disney where he found a passion for catering. From there, he joined Marriott, where he was mentored by chefs who saw his potential and helped shape his leadership style. A mentor even supported him through a six-month speech course to help him build confidence and leadership skills. Although he faced some early challenges, including his first manager-in-training interview not going as planned, he stayed committed.

Years later, after a furlough during COVID, Chef Alejandro found himself visiting the San Manuel Recruitment Center. He was impressed by the support the team members at the Recruitment Center provided; he applied and was hired. From the start, the experience at Yaamava' stood out to him as it reminded him of his early Marriott experience, full of energy and opportunity. After four years at Yaamava', Chef Alejandro is still energized by the culture and team around him. He describes the work environment as collaborative and supportive, where managers and Team Members are empowered to grow. "Where else are you going to find this?" he asks.

What Makes Yaamava' Special

The benefits, ongoing training, and career growth opportunities stand out, but what he values most are the people. "The magic of Yaamava' is the team," he says. "There’s nonstop support, education, and collaboration. We’re always learning together."

He currently oversees multiple kitchens and is cross-training to understand both front-of-house and back-of-house operations. His leadership style is grounded in service, empathy, and an open-door mindset.

Honoring Culinary Arts Month

For Chef Alejandro, Culinary Arts Month is more than just recognition. It’s a time to honor the hard work, long hours, and emotional strength that culinary professionals bring to their roles every day. "Food and Beverage is one of the hardest industries, mentally and physically," he says. "We need to talk about that more."

He's passionate about protecting his team’s well-being, both in and out of the kitchen. He checks in with them regularly and is open about the importance of mental health and building a culture that values rest as much as hustle.

Advice for Aspiring Chefs

When asked what advice he’d give to someone interested in joining the culinary field, Chef Alejandro doesn’t hesitate: "Passion, drive, and patience. That’s what it takes."

He reminds new Team Members that school doesn’t make you a master—experience does. Many of the people on his team were trained from scratch, even those who had never picked up a knife before. What matters most is attitude and willingness to grow. "If you’re thinking about it, don’t think. Just go for it. We’ll teach you. We’ll help you grow."

For Chef Alejandro, the art of the plate is really about the people behind it. At Yaamava', it’s not just about creating incredible food, it’s about building careers, leading with heart, and finding joy in every shift. "I love coming to work," he says. "I’m living the dream."

Want to be part of a team that values creativity, growth, and passion? Explore culinary career opportunities at sanmanuelcareers.com.