09/28/2026
Weāre excited to welcome Chef Justin back to the kitchen at Meander Riverside Eatery as our Executive Chef!
Justin began his culinary career after moving to Colorado in 2011 and graduating from the Cook Street School of Culinary Arts in 2012. Over the next nine years, he built an impressive resume along the Front Range, working at the Hyatt Regency and serving as Sous Chef at Charcoal Restaurant, The Plimoth, and Frasca Food and W**e in Boulder.
It was during his three years at The Plimoth, working alongside Executive Chef Charles MacDonald and Chef Peter Ryan, that Justin developed his passion for farm-to-table cooking. Creating weekly menus around fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farmers became a defining part of his culinary style.
That passion eventually brought him to Pagosa Springs, where Chef Charles called on Justin to lead the kitchen at Meander. After a successful run as Executive Chef, Justin headed to the Pacific Northwest for a culinary sabbatical, gathering fresh inspiration and gaining experience at renowned Portland restaurants including Kachka and Langbaan.
Now, heās back in Pagosa Springs refreshed, inspired, and ready to get cooking.
Youāll be seeing some old favorites return to the menu, along with plenty of new dishes inspired by Justinās time away. With a new season ahead, weāre excited to see where he takes the kitchen.
Welcome back, Chef Justin! Weāre so glad to have you here.
