Niki Foondos, WSET Level 2
Floor Manager

Niki, our vivacious, dedicated Floor Manager, has been an integral part of our team since our post-pandemic reopening in 2023. With a degree in environmental studies from USF, Niki's journey in the hospitality industry began with a summer spent working at a winery in Lucca, Italy. It was there that she discovered her passion for wine and hospitality, immersing herself in the laid-back atmosphere of Tenuta Adamo, a friend's winery, where days were spent crafting memorable experiences for guests and evenings were filled with swimming and wine.

Hailing from Sacramento and raised in a large Greek family, Niki's upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep sense of hospitality. Inspired by her mother and aunts, she learned the importance of hard work and treating others with kindness and respect.

Driven by her love for people and passion for creating memorable experiences, Niki quickly rose from server/bartender to floor manager, embodying positivity and leadership every step of the way. Her genuine enthusiasm for her work shines through in her interactions with guests and her commitment to fostering a fun and welcoming environment for all.

With a WSET Level 2 Award in Wines under her belt and plans to pursue the Level 3 Award in the near future, Niki's dedication to her craft knows no bounds. Outside of work, she channels her passion into cooking, hosting gatherings, and spending quality time with loved ones, embodying her mantra of putting in 110% effort into everything she does. Niki's journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence and her relentless pursuit of creating meaningful connections through hospitality.

 

Sarah Trubnick CSW, CSWS, DipWSET
Founder & Wine Director

At the heart of The Barrel Room story is our founder Sarah Trubnick, a trailblazer who dared to follow her passion for wine, leaving behind a successful career in Electrical Engineering. With degrees from UCLA under her belt Sarah's journey led her from the bustling streets of New York City, where she honed her sommelier skills and gained invaluable retail experience, to the picturesque vineyards of Bordeaux, Italy, and Australia, where she immersed herself in the art and science of winemaking during a year and a half of vintage work.

Fueled by her unwavering dedication and thirst for knowledge, Sarah founded The Barrel Room in 2011, envisioning a space where wine enthusiasts could embark on a journey of discovery for guests curious to learn more about the ever-expansive world of wine. The restaurant has continued to evolve as a community space for all walks of life that love wine, bound together by an authentic desire to provide the best hospitality possible. As the Wine Director and Educator, she infuses every aspect of The Barrel Room with her passion, expertise, and unique perspective, curating an experience that is both enlightening and unforgettable.

But Sarah's story doesn't end there. In her relentless pursuit of promoting exceptional wines, she also founded American Wine Collective, a distribution company focused on representing the hidden gems of the lesser-explored wine regions of the United States. As a wine educator with both Commonwealth Wine School and Fine Vintage Ltd., Sarah is committed to sharing her wealth of knowledge and nurturing the next generation of wine enthusiasts.

At The Barrel Room Sarah's vision comes to life, weaving together elements of casual elegance, curiosity, and heartfelt hospitality. Here guests are invited to explore the world of wine through Sarah's eyes, savoring each glass as a testament to her passion and dedication. From the comfort of our inviting space to the warmth of our knowledgeable staff, every detail reflects Sarah's unwavering commitment to excellence, ensuring that every visit to The Barrel Room is an experience to be savored and cherished.

 

Jose Peraza
Chef de Cuisine

Jose Peraza is our esteemed Chef de Cuisine at The Barrel Room, whose culinary journey began in the vibrant landscapes of Yucatán, Mexico. Hailing from a small town that has since burgeoned into a thriving city, Jose's upbringing was steeped in the rich traditions of Mexican home cooking.

In Mexico, where everyone was a cook at home, Jose learned the art of crafting delicious meals from a young age. With his father working in construction in Cancun, Jose took on the responsibility of managing the family's farm, navigating the challenges of the sweltering heat and the need to budget resources when his father returned.

Despite the limitations of a small-town upbringing, Jose's passion for cooking flourished, fueled by his mother's encouragement and the opportunity to learn from culinary mentor Manuel, our Executive Chef. Inspired by his mother's philosophy that experimentation leads to perfection, Jose embraces the challenge of perfecting each dish, striving for greatness with every creation.

As one of the owners of The Barrel Room since its opening on Sansome Street in 2015, Jose takes immense pride in the restaurant and the cuisine served. When he's not at The Barrel Room, he can be found watching sports or cooking for his loved ones, embodying his belief that food has the power to nurture both body and soul.

 

Manuel Hewitt
Executive Chef

Born and raised in the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, Chef Manuel Hewitt's culinary journey began with a familial heritage steeped in a rich tradition of gastronomy. With a lineage spanning multiple generations, his passion for cooking was ignited at a young age, cultivated by the flavors and techniques passed down through his family.

Driven by his love for the culinary arts, Manuel ventured to the vibrant culinary scene of the Bay Area, where he immersed himself in kitchens while pursuing studies in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management at City College. It was during this time that Manuel's talents flourished, honing his skills and developing a deep understanding of the intricate interplay between food and wine.

In April 2014, Manuel's culinary odyssey led him to The Barrel Room, where he joined forces with Sarah Trubnick to open the current location in April 2015. As Executive Chef, Manuel brings his expertise in a diverse array of cuisines to the forefront, curating rotating regional menus that reflect the bounty and diversity of American culinary traditions.

Manuel's education and experience serve as the cornerstone of his culinary creativity, infusing each menu with inspiration drawn from his travels, his culinary heritage, and passion for wine. His dedication to excellence and commitment to innovation ensure that every dish at The Barrel Room is a culinary journey, thoughtfully inspired by the exceptional wines curated by Sarah Trubnick sourced from a variety of exciting and underappreciated American wine regions as well as their own diverse culinary traditions of those regions.