Darrin Sander

Background

About Darrin Sander

I’ve been in the Food & Beverage industry since I was 16, working my way through kitchens, dining rooms, and leadership roles across the country. From fast casual to Michelin-rated restaurants, I’ve learned that success in this business isn’t just about great food—it’s about building great teams and delivering unforgettable hospitality. After 14 years as a General Manager and Managing Partner, I spent two years consulting for new restaurant openings, helping operators turn vision into reality. Now, I own and operate Craft & Gather Dining Social House in Spokane Valley, Washington, which we opened in 2018. Previous Experience: • The Farmer & The Fox – Napa • Evangeline – Napa • Butterscotch Bakery & Mercantile – Napa • Cairdean Winery – Napa • Bacchus Wine Shop – Millbrae • Doukkala Restaurant – Oakland • Sushi Ran – Sausalito • Village Sake – Fairfax • Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion – San Francisco • Hard Rock Café – 7 locations Through it all, my greatest passion has been mentorship and hospitality—coaching teams, developing leaders, and creating environments where people feel genuinely welcomed, valued, and taken care of. A restaurant is only as strong as the people behind it, and when you invest in your team and embrace hospitality at every level, everything else falls into place. “Hospitality isn’t just about serving great food—it’s about creating moments that people will never forget. The best restaurants don’t just meet expectations; they go beyond, offering hospitality so thoughtful, so over-the-top, that guests leave feeling like they were part of something special. That’s the kind of experience I strive to create every day—for our guests, for our team, and for our community.”