Tampa’s Rooster and the Till in Seminole Heights has a new executive chef. Chef Martin Dejesus has joined the popular Seminole Heights restaurant, part of Proper House Group. He carries over 15 years of culinary experience focusing on vegetable-forward cooking, whole animal butchery, aging, preservation and modern cooking techniques.

Dejesus was born in Rochester, New York and was raised in a family that honored their traditional Puerto Rican roots while integrating tasty new culinary traditions into his cooking style. Martin developed a passion for cooking by working at restaurants in New York, Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, and Florida where he most recently served as chef de cuisine at Haven Tampa, which is part of Bern’s restaurant group.

“This restaurant has established itself as a culinary gem in Tampa, and I
am excited to contribute my skills and expertise to further enhance its reputation. I believe in constantly challenging myself and my staff, and I also expect my team to inspire and challenge me.”

Chef Martin Dejesus

Martin is passionate about food sustainability and regenerative agricultural techniques and seeks to re-join production, distribution, and consumption to help empower people to access healthy and delicious food. He believes that the environment we live in and the food we consume are interconnected. He strives to create dishes and guest experiences that leave lasting, meaningful memories.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Martin to the Rooster and the Till family,” said Chef Ferrell Alvarez, owner and Chef Partner of Proper House Group. “His culinary talent, passion, and commitment to excellence perfectly align with our vision for Rooster and the Till. We are confident that under his guidance, Rooster and the Till will continue to be a destination for food enthusiasts seeking a remarkable dining experience with a neighborhood feel.”