Chef Robert Setzer is a 4th generation Arizona native. Family has always been and continues to be a major source of support and inspiration. Family gatherings and holidays always centered around a meal that was lovingly prepared from scratch. Because of this, Robert gained an appreciation and passion for home cooked meals and quality ingredients.
Starting at the young age of 15 washing dishes, Robert glimpsed the future he would inevitably fall in love with. The noise and commotion of a restaurant kitchen seemed a bit foreign, but the love and joy the customers were emitting became addicting. “Nothing can compare to this feeling of gratification and happiness”.
Upon graduating high school, Robert moved to Downtown Phoenix and began to pursue his calling as a chef. While working at a small Italian restaurant in Phoenix, “Il Posto”, he achieved his associates degree in Culinary Arts from The Art Institute of Phoenix, and then went on to earn a Bachelors degree in Culinary Management.
Robert has worked for many very successful and notable restaurants in the valley. His experience includes Sous Chef at Chelsea’s Kitchen, Executive Sous Chef at La Grande Orange, Executive Sous Chef at True Food Kitchen, Executive Chef at Arcadia room, Chef De Cuisine at San Tan Brewing Co and Executive Sous Chef at Federal Pizza.
All of the amazing kitchens Robert has worked in have been a source of learning and growth in many ways, but the one thing he has embraced as most important is to… “Love the food and ingredients you put on the plate”.