Theo Petron

Co-Owner & Executive Chef

Theo began his career in advertising after earning a bachelor’s degree in business, before realizing he was considerably more interested in the food at his meetings than the meetings themselves. An apprenticeship at a local bistro followed, then his own personal chef business in Minnesota, where his work eventually took him beyond clients’ homes to private yachts and luxury travel destinations.

Today, Theo leads Zest’s culinary direction, bringing more than two decades of experience, a well-traveled palate, and an instinct for creating food that feels both sophisticated and approachable. His WSET Level 2 sommelier certification brings another dimension to his culinary expertise, particularly when food and wine come together at the table.

When he’s not cooking, Theo is usually sailing, cycling, discovering a great bottle of wine, or tending to his own vines.