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Meet the San Diego Team

Nestor Iturbude

chef de cuisine

Nestor has been with Cowboy Star from the very beginning and knows every aspect of the restaurant from kitchen to culture. With a passion for the art of cooking, to the detail of running a professional kitchen, Nestor has been the keeper of Cowboy Star’s high standards and impeccable reputation. With his attention to detail and knowing the “trail” of what we are, Nestor is the perfect addition to our outstanding culinary management team.

Melea Smith

General Manager

Melea has nearly 15 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, with a decade spent in beautiful California. As a former college basketball player and team captain, she knows the value of teamwork and leadership. She earned her master's degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from SDSU. She loves creating experiences that help people escape their daily lives. When she’s not daydreaming about mezcal in Oaxaca, she’s probably enjoying it in San Diego or Rosarito, Mexico. Her two adorable black cats, her "mini panthers," are usually by her side!

Arnold Brown

sous chef

Arnold has over 30 years of culinary experience, specializing in French cuisine, with 8 years spent at the prestigious Mr. A’s. He graduated from culinary school in 1993, inspired as a child by a TV chef’s quiche recipes, which he recreated in countless variations for his family. Arnold’s passion is crafting French-Mexican fusion dishes, often in the kitchen with his granddaughter. When not cooking, he’s an avid off-road racing fan and a regular at the Baja 1000 in Ensenada, Mexico.

Alex Franco

restaurant manager

Alex has been in the industry since 2013 and is dedicated to fostering a welcoming atmosphere where every guest feels like family. Originally from Coachella, he relocated to San Diego in 2007 and earned his Biology degree from Cal State San Marcos. Known as the friendliest Dodger fan, you can often find Alex at the ballpark or at Fairplay supporting his teams. Go Dodgers!

Jamie Decena

kitchen manager | executive Pastry chef

Jamie studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Patisserie and Baking and brings 15 years of culinary experience to the table, including a decade at Cowboy Star. She spent her childhood in Japan, which inspires her to create beautiful Asian-influenced pastries. Outside of the kitchen, Jamie loves Hello Kitty, her dog, and, of course, her husband.

Rachel Mann

Restaurant Manager

Rachel has a strong background with an MBA and a BSBA in Finance from CSUSM, along with a Six Sigma Green Belt from UCSD. She has over 20 years of experience in events and restaurants, working with well-known places like The Brigantine, Live Nation, and The Belly Up Tavern. Rachel is passionate about making guest experiences memorable and improving processes. She enjoys being part of San Diego’s lively food and beverage scene. In her spare time, Rachel loves to play competitive billiards, go camping, and volunteer with local dog rescue groups.

Alexandra Reynolds

wine director

Alexandra grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to San Diego to attend SDSU, where she has stayed ever since. Inspired by her father and living close to Napa, she developed a deep passion for wine and fell in love with its rich culture. Alexandra loves continuously learning and expanding her wine knowledge. Outside of her passion for wine, she’s busy keeping up with her five kids, who keep her on her toes!

David Velasquez

facilities manager

David has been with Cowboy Star for over 11 years, working his way through various positions in both the kitchen and dining room before stepping into his role as Facilities Manager. He knows every inch of the restaurant, having been involved in almost every detail. Outside of work, David loves fishing, being outdoors, taking long walks with his cat, and spending time with family and friends.