Chef Ryan was born in Aurora, Colorado, and moved to Northern California at the age of 5. He discovered a passion for cooking very early and would cook for his brothers and sisters. He attended the Santa Rosa Culinary Academy and soon began his career as a Sous Chef at the highly acclaimed chef owned John Ash restaurant in Santa Rosa, credited as one of the creators of Wine Country Cuisine. Chef Ryan earned a wine and food paring certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, and in San Francisco, Chef Ryan worked at the highly respected Town Hall and Scott Howard restaurants, where he refined his knowledge and use of fine and organic products. At the Sundance Kitchen, he is constantly developing exciting new dishes utilizing the exceptional wealth of products available for our discerning customers. Chef Ryan loves to speak to our guests about his delicious creations and loves to discuss movies, as well.