Chef David Gonzalez
(he/him)
Food Service Director

Chef David joined the Academy team in 2022 and brings with him a wide variety of experience in the culinary world. He began cooking at age fifteen learning as much as possible about restaurant work. He expanded his professional development as a caretaker in memory care and as a Spanish translator in the Bend-Lapine school district. He returned to the food industry as a food coordinator at the Bend International School and expanded to kitchen manager at Chick- Fil-A. David’s drive to expand his culinary knowledge in classic French and Italian cuisine led him to The Brickhouse and Salute. Alongside Executive Head Chef Sharon Fabiana and Head Chef Josh Habenicht, he pushed himself to learn all aspects of how to properly execute exquisite from-scratch dishes at a fine-dining level. Because of these culinary mentors and his trial by fire experience, David firmly believes in the importance of being precise and consistent under pressure and also believes few can handle it.

David sought his position at the Academy to expand his culinary experience, to learn therapeutic skills and increase understanding of himself and others. He is loved at the Academy for his big-brother spirit and passion for food. On his weekly menu, David balances hearty home-cooked meals and classy French-American cuisine.