THE TEAM
At Preserve, every role is essential. It takes the hard work of around 40 passionate individuals to create an unforgettable experience for our guests daily. From the kitchen to the front of house, each member plays a vital part in ensuring we serve you the freshest, locally sourced, and thoughtfully crafted food and drinks.
We began with a small but mighty team of just six, running a cozy evening bar and a daytime deli five days a week. Today, Preserve has grown into a vibrant culinary hub, with over 40 talented professionals providing full-service brunch, lunch, and dinner. We're proud to foster a team dedicated to elevating every aspect of your dining experience.
Cole and Sara Ogando
Founders
Born and raised in Winters, CA, Cole Ogando and his wife Sara left behind thriving careers in the family contracting business to pursue their shared passion for food and community, founding Preserve in 2011. Their vision has always been to embrace continuous growth and create a space that values and rewards those who share their commitment to excellence.
Together with their two children, Cole and Sara enjoy spending time outdoors and gathering around the table with loved ones. Their deep-rooted love for food preservation, including canning, charcuterie, and distilling, is the heart and soul of Preserve. For them, the restaurant is more than just a place to dine—it’s a way to celebrate and pass down timeless techniques that honor each season’s harvest.
As Cole puts it, "My motivation is simple: there was a time when everyone knew how to preserve the extra food they had, how to prevent waste. It’s essential that we keep these skills alive, not only for ourselves but for future generations."
Gene hall
Head Chef
Growing up in Vacaville, CA, Gene Hall embarked on his culinary journey at 16, starting with humble beginnings—mastering the art of nachos and deep fryers. His passion for food quickly grew, leading him to pursue formal training at Le Cordon Bleu in Sacramento, where he gained a profound appreciation for the bond between farm and table, nurtured by Sacramento’s thriving agricultural community.
In 2010, Gene’s culinary path led him to the Napa Valley, a region renowned for its wine and fresh ingredients. As the Events Chef at Farmstead, he fully embraced the 'farm-to-fork' philosophy, blending his creative culinary techniques with the dedication and richness of Napa’s agricultural bounty.
Recognizing the significance of food preservation in creating lasting culinary experiences, Gene mastered the art of capturing seasonal ingredients at their peak to ensure their flavors endure beyond the season. This philosophy became even more integral when he stepped into the role of Head Chef at Preserve in 2022, where he continues to champion sustainability, local farming, and the art of food preservation at the core of every dish.
SCOTT ANDREWS
General Manager
Scott Andrews brings over two decades of experience in the restaurant industry to his role as General Manager at Preserve. His journey began 23 years ago while attending college, where he took a job in hospitality out of necessity. Scott’s leadership evolved into a passion for the industry’s fast-paced environment, dynamic challenges, and endless learning opportunities.
Since joining Preserve in August 2021, Scott has played an integral role in leading the team, ensuring seamless operations, and fostering a culture of growth and hospitality excellence. His leadership style is deeply influenced by his most important life role: being a father. His son has taught him invaluable lessons in patience, determination, and motivation—traits that have become essential in managing a busy restaurant.
Evan cotton
Sous Chef
Like all good people, Evan was born and raised right here in California. Since coming to Preserve in 2018, he has strived to follow the most important direction we give: make yourself indispensable. Evan admires culinary greats like Grant Achatz for molecular gastronomy, Virgilio Martinez for innovative use of local ingredients, and Jordy Rocha for groundbreaking pastries. Above all, his biggest inspiration is his family.
If not in a community-based and locally-inspired scratch kitchen, you can find Evan being a proud father or seemingly avid gamer. He also is an aspiring Urban Bison farmer.
FABIAN AQUINO
Bar Manager
Christian Duran
Marketing & Media Manager
As a fifth-generation Winters native, Christian carries deep roots in the community. He now leads Preserve’s marketing and media efforts with a fresh, creative vision. Christian launched his marketing career at just seventeen, working with businesses and brands in public relations, marketing, and creative direction. His journey eventually brought him to Preserve, where he focused on elevating the mission of preserving our story through food and drink.
Drawing inspiration from music, art, and culture—his passions—Christian brings a unique and vibrant perspective to media, ensuring our story resonates with every guest who walks through the door.
Aaron Garcia
Cocktail Curator
From creating vivacious cocktails to being a travel expert, Aaron’s tenure at Preserve showcases the evolution of our restaurant. Since starting at Preserve in 2015, he has become the curator of our handcrafted libations. Aaron Garcia brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role as Cocktail Curator and Front-of-House Manager at Preserve. Beginning his career in hospitality at the age of 17, Aaron quickly worked his way through various positions, developing a deep dedication to his craft over the past 13 years.
Having started as a busser at Preserve in 2015, Aaron has since risen to play a key role in shaping both the guest experience and the cocktail program. His creativity and attention to detail are reflected in every drink he curates, while his leadership helps ensure seamless service for every guest.
Aaron draws inspiration from his early mentors, Jonathan Madson, Cara Devine, and Emma Kries, who have significantly influenced his bartending journey. With a passion for fine cuisine and a love for exploring new destinations, Aaron is always seeking inspiration for his next creation.