Join Our Team

“People never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou’s famous statement serves as a rallying cry throughout Columbia Hospitality and fuels our collective drive — and success. Our people are our purpose, and our brand is our people. We seek extraordinary individuals who drive our brand promise of Creating Exceptional Experiences. We are a people-first organization, ignited from the inside to succeed on the outside. We are a tight-knit, inclusive, values-driven team, and we trust one another to have each other’s backs. We show up every day with open hearts, an inclusive mindset and a genuine respect for those around us. We have fun, grow together and strive to leave a positive, lasting impression on everyone we meet.

At 1913 Restaurant & Bar, we lead with a culture of service, while our mission is to be a community connector, offering refreshing, clean food, perfect for uplifting one’s soul. We are one team comprised of a close collaboration between our front of house service organization and our exceptional culinary team, led by Fernando Rodriguez, chef de cuisine of Nourishing Hope.

Get to know our leaders below, and find your place at 1913.

Get to Know Us

Fernando Rodriguez

Chef de Cuisine

Chef Fernando Rodriguez originally aimed for a sociology career but discovered his passion for cooking and shifted paths. With over 18 years at RockSugar Restaurant, a Cheesecake Factory branch, he excelled in culinary research and development. Now at Hope Village and 1913 Restaurant, he combines his expertise to create standout dishes like seared scallops with cilantro coconut cream and Thai beef salad. Rodriguez reflects, "This role has deepened my appreciation for how food can nourish and uplift others." Contact Chef Rodriguez at ferrodriguez@coh.org.

Thoi Trinh

Director of Food and Beverage

Thoi’s love for hospitality stems from his mother’s cooking at their family cafe in Vietnam. He started his career in the San Francisco Bay Area as a dishwasher and advanced to leadership roles with local and global brands. Before moving to Southern California, he was Corporate Director for Chris Yeo Group and helped launch a gastro-lounge concept during the pandemic. His experience spans luxury hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and tech consulting, and he enjoys reading and cooking for family and friends in his free time. Contact Thoi at ttrinh@columbiahospitality.com

Adam Ha

Food And Beverage Manager

Adam Ha, our Food & Beverage Manager, has a three-decade journey from busboy to expert. His extensive experience spans from serving and bartending to leadership roles in diverse dining concepts, from fast-casual to upscale. Passionate about crafting memorable experiences, Adam believes true hospitality is all about people. He dedicates himself to daily learning and values time with his family, friends, and furry companions.: Contact Adam at aha@columbiahospitality.com

Yadira Landin

Sous Chef

Yadira Landin’s passion for food began with her mother’s exceptional salsas and was further developed through years working in her family’s mobile catering food truck. Despite raising two young boys, she pursued her culinary dreams, graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena with a focus on culinary and patisserie arts. With 16 years of experience in diverse settings, Yadira now brings her innovative approach to City of Hope, where she uses food to inspire, comfort, and bring smiles. Driven by the belief that food connects hearts and eases challenges, Yadira aims to provide joy and solace through her culinary creations.

Fernando Ramirez

Sous Chef

Fernando Ramirez has dedicated nearly two years to City of Hope, witnessing the launch of 1913 Restaurant & Bar. His culinary journey began in 2014, evolving from a dishwasher at 18 to Sous Chef at Wolfgang Puck Catering in Hollywood. Ramirez's passion for cooking blends with his personal life, including family time, tattooing, and culinary explorations. Under Chef Fernando Rodriguez at 1913, Ramirez's fearless approach has been key to his success and growth in the culinary arts.