LALO GONZALEZ

Nonnina

As the Executive Sous Chef at Nonnina, Chef Joel Gonzalez plays a pivotal role in driving the culinary excellence of one of River North’s premier Italian dining destinations. In this role, he oversees the daily kitchen operations, menu execution, and kitchen team, ensuring that Nonnina continues to deliver the high-quality, soulful Italian dishes and sophisticated hospitality that define the restaurant. 

Joel’s position at the helm of the kitchen is a testament to his incredible work ethic and grit. He originally began his culinary journey from the ground up in 2016 as a dishwasher. Through sheer determination, sharp observation, and a relentless desire to learn, he steadily worked his way through the ranks, gaining invaluable, hands-on experience in every single station and operational aspect of a high-volume, upscale professional kitchen. 

His inspiring rise within the industry is fueled by a profound passion for cooking that was ignited at a very early age. Guided by the core values of hard work, dedication, and a deep commitment to his craft, Chef Joel infuses a unique creativity and an intuitive understanding of flavors into every service. His lifelong love for the culinary arts is reflected in his leadership style and his constant drive to elevate the dining experience for every guest who walks through Nonnina's doors.