Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad White.
Hi Chad, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Chef White a Spokane native, started his culinary career when joined the United States Navy on 9/11. From cooking in the United States Navy to Top Chef to restaurateur, Chef Chad White has had an exciting career earning many accolades along the way.
After his naval career, White got his taste for the real kitchen in the kitchens of Prince of Whales and 1500 OCEAN under Jason Shaeffer, as well Roseville under Amy DiBiase.
White was first recognized from his work at his restaurant Sea Rocket Bistro in 2010 where he was named the “Seafood Maverick of San Diego” for his unique utilization of local seafood. His passion for turning what was scraps into stars of the plate got him featured on Bizarre Food of the Travel Channel. Later in his career, he founded La Justina in Tijuana, Mexico an eclectic Mexican gastro bar on Calle Revolucíon as well as Común Kitchen & Tavern in San Diego and Craft Pizza Company in La Jolla, California before competing on Bravo TV’s Top Chef Season 13.
After competing on Top Chef finishing in the Top 10, Chef Chad returned to his hometown of Spokane, Washington where he has since opened Award Wining Zona Blanca Ceviche Bar (2016) where he has received the award of Best New Restaurant and Chef of the Year now for 5 years running. Zona Blanca when opened was the only brick and mortar ceviche restaurant coast to coast north of California.
In 2019 Chad opened 3 restaurants, High Tide Lobster Bar with 2 locations, 1st one on Riverside Ave in March and the 2nd one on Post St. in November. In June Chef White partnered with Travis Thosath to open TTs Old Iron Brewery and Barbecue which was named “Best New Restaurant” and “Best Barbecue” 3 years running by the Inlander Magazine. Chef Chad received a semi-finalist nomination for a James Beard “Best Chef” – Northwest region award spring of 2020 and 2022. In 2022 chad was awarded an Emerging Philanthropist of the year award and recognized as the 2022 Rising Star 10 under 40 awards by the Spokane Journal of Business.
Mid 2022 Chef Chad with partners Travis Thosath, Ramsey & Amy Pruchnic opened 2 locations of a new concept called Uno Más a Campestre style taco shop featuring big bold flavors, local beers, margaritas, tacos and fun appetizers. One is located in the Spokane Valley and another in Downtown Spokane near riverfront park in the Wonder Bldg.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Business, in general, let alone in the service industry, especially in the past few years during the pandemic. My journey has been filled with peaks and valleys and taught me very valuable lessons that groomed me for the opportunities of today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a chef and owner of a few restaurant concepts with a love and focus on regional Mexican cuisine.
Food is Art which is what made me fall in love with cooking.
At the end of the day, I love challenges, and friends, colleagues, and family would classify me as a serial entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.limefishsalt.com
- Instagram: @chefchadwhite
- Twitter: @chefchadwhite
