Francisco Lopez

Executive Sous Chef

Francisco Lopez serves as Executive Sous Chef for Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse Fort Lauderdale. Native to Peru and now residing in South Florida, Lopez grew up spending summers in Lima. Unfailingly surrounding himself amidst foods, origins, preparations; it was only natural his first job involved restaurants. Starting his culinary journey, a little later than most, Francisco attended culinary school shortly after college. Along his culinary upbringing, he valued opportunities to lead teams in the respected kitchens of Wylie Dufresne, Alex Stupak, Jean George and Jeremy Ford. 

“Through my years of travel while surrounding myself with numerous talented chefs, my eyes and palate have opened to the limitless artistry and vibrancy all aspects of food can surpass. Whether I’m comprising a sixteen-component dish or creating the perfect smoked brisket, we should always push the limits of what food can be.” 

Lopez met Chef Michael Lewis on the hotline, opening Miami’s Edition Hotel for Jean George, and have been friends ever since. He officially joined the Scotch and Bacon team in 2017 working together with Lewis at the acclaimed Wynwood hotspot KYU. Lopez then became Chef + GM for the group’s fried chicken pop-up CHIKIN, with locations in Montreal, Miami + Doral.

When he is not on the pass, you will find him hanging out with his wife and daughter, grabbing a pastry from croissant time, or enjoying a well-deserved cocktail at Nube.