Jonathan Esparza

Restaurant Chef, Toro Toro

“I’m thrilled to return to Four Seasons and to make the dynamic city of Houston home. My family and I are excited to explore all the cultures, flavours, and excitement H-Town has to offer.”

Four Seasons Tenure

First since 2018
First Four Seasons Assignment: Junior Sous Chef, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe

Employment History

Toro Toro Fort Worth, Texas; Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, New Mexico

Education

Universidad Tecnologica de Bahia de Banderas, Nayarit, Mexico

Birthplace

Los Angeles, California, USA

Languages Spoken

English, Spanish

A native of Los Angeles, Jonathan Esparza was raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. From an early age, he was inspired by his mother’s home cooking, though his initial career goal was not to wear a chef’s coat, but rather a doctor’s scrubs.

Jonathan's plan to attend medical school wasn't panning out. Starting to wonder about his path forward, he came across a culinary school on a family vacation in Puerto Vallarta. He decided to enroll for a brief four-month program, which ignited his passion, and eventually led to earning his culinary degree from Universidad Tecnologica de Bahia de Banderas, Nayarit.

From there, Jonathan began his career at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo foothills of New Mexico in 2018. As a Junior Sous Chef, he oversaw the busy banquet operation, earning valuable experience in exploring his creative artistry. His talent and dedication earned him a promotion to Sous Chef and soon after Chef de Cuisine. Chef Jonathan made his move to Texas in early 2022 to take the role of Executive Chef at Richard Sandoval’s Toro Toro Fort Worth, where he made a mark creating delicious pan-Latin cuisine at the acclaimed steakhouse. He rejoined Four Seasons in early 2024 as Restaurant Chef of Toro Toro at Four Seasons Hotel Houston, where he now oversees all culinary aspects of one of the city’s most popular restaurants.

Chef Jonathan speaks English and Spanish, and enjoys spending his time away from with his wife Janette, and children Liam, Emmalee, and Ethan. Together they love going to the zoo, jumping parks, and enjoying the outdoors. He also enjoys puzzles, Sudoku, and playing chess.