Michelle Jacob
Michelle Jacob has enjoyed many successful years in management and team building at La Petite Academy, Kirkland’s Home Store and Outback Steakhouse and since 20XX at Gertrude’s as the General Manager.
Employing her diverse experience and vast knowledge, Michelle has led Gertrude’s through its inception to a leader in the evolving culinary and award winner in categories such as Phoenix’s Excellence in Sustainability, Best Patio, Best Destination Restaurant, Best Locavore and more. Michelle is serving her second term as the Chair of Arizona Culinary Institute’s Advisory Committee who adapted and published her handbook, “Safe Food. Safe Service.” – a comprehensive guide to post-COVID safety measures.
Jim Curry
Jim Curry is the Director of Operations at Fabulous Food and since 1998 has also served as Warehouse Assistant, Service Manager, Operations Manager and General Manager. He also has previous experience at Split Rock Resort and Pocono International Raceway.
Curry oversees the design and set-up of all event venues, coordination of warehouse operations, on-site logistical operations, hiring and training and manages personnel activities. Jim also oversees operations at the Patio Café and the Lab Cafe at the Arizona Science Center.
Chantal Hause, Proprietor
Chantal has a long career in the restaurant business including John Gardner’s Tennis Ranch, now the Sanctuary Resort, Vincent’s, Coffee Plantation and Continental Catering before going into business herself.
In 1996, Chantal and Skip launched Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events, and they have been producing one of a kind events with exquisite artisan cuisine ever since. Hause opened Gertrude’s in 2011 took a flying leap into the restaurant industry.
Alan ‘Skip’ Hause, Proprietor
Skip is co-owner and chef at Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events, which he and Chantal founded in 1996 to fulfill their vision of unique custom catering. As a graduate of New York’s Culinary Institute of America, Skip has stellar credentials in the culinary world. His experience includes the noted Williamsburg Inn, corporate work for Omni Hotels International and 16 years as Executive for Continental Catering. Skip is also co-author and the culinary talent behind the leading culinary textbook in the country, “On Cooking” in its sixth edition.
The Hause’s believe in giving back to the community and support organizations including Arizona Opera, Arizona Theater Company, Arizona Costume Institute, Ballet Arizona, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Art Museum and Phoenix Zoo.
Hause Restaurant Group, owned by Alan and Chantal Hause, is the privileged operator of this noteworthy restaurant, located just inside the Desert Botanical Garden.