Take Root Hospitality Partner and Culinary Director, Aaron Martinez doesn’t just make the most out of every opportunity he’s given – he actively seeks out opportunities and forms relationships with people that impact his life in the best possible way.

Martinez has kept his eyes open for special “aha” moments and encounters from the time he left California to attend the Arizona Culinary Institute. After a memorable meal at William Bradley’s restaurant, VU, he reached out and scored a job working under the acclaimed chef, who would become his mentor and most profound professional influence. Martinez followed Bradley back to San Diego to help open Michelin starred Addison, and then embarked for Spain and Belgium thanks to his mentor’s suggestion to work overseas and explore the world. Bradley installed in him a belief that experiencing different cultures is fundamental to growing as a chef, and he credits this time abroad for helping to shape and propel his career.

After returning to the states, Martinez scored Chef de Cuisine jobs at acclaimed Bay Area restaurants Quince and Commis, with a stint doing R&D for Lettuce Entertain You in Chicago.  

Before moving to St Louis, Martinez took the future in his own hands once again, and contacted Chef Michael Gallina to learn about the culinary landscape in this Midwest metropolis. That call inspired his move, and was the precursor to landing at Vicia, where he most recently held the role of Executive Chef until becoming a partner in the company in early 2022. He is responsible for menu development and overseeing the food for all of the group’s restaurants, Vicia, Winslow’s Table, Bistro La Floraison and Taqueria Morita (inspired by Martinez’s Mexican heritage).

Martinez brings a creativity and leadership approach to his work that he humbly credits back to his travels and all that he’s learned from the great chefs he’s worked with. He lives with his wife and daughter in St. Louis.