Meet the Scala Osteria senior staff
These are the folks on the floor and in the kitchen making sure your dining experience is one of a kind and deliziosa!
Cristian Corro
General Manager
At the young age of 15, Cristian moved here from San Marcos Arteaga, a little town northwest of Oaxaca, Mexico. Not more than a year later he started work at Bistro Don Giovanni and began growing through the ranks. His industrious approach to his work and his passion for learning took him from busser, to wait staff, to manager, but it is his ability to give each guest a beautifully tailored experience that has cemented him as a fixture in the Napa restaurant scene. Cristian grew up in the restaurant business and has learned from some of the best, making him a singularly effective manager of people and guest experiences. He has been involved in other successful Napa projects, including opening the popular waterfront restaurant, Los Agaves, but his role as General Manager at Scala Osteria marks his return to his original restaurant family and over twenty years with Gio and the team.
Hugo Ortiz
executive chef
Executive Chef Hugo Ortiz has been a valued member of the BDG family since 1994, beginning his culinary career at the entry level and steadily rising through the ranks to become Chef de Cuisine at Bistro Don Giovanni. His dedication, leadership, and respect for Italian culinary traditions have made him a trusted and enduring presence within the group.
In 1995, Chef Ortiz worked closely with Donna and Giovanni on the opening of the original Scala’s Bistro in San Francisco, playing a key role in establishing the restaurant’s culinary foundation. He later served as an integral part of the opening team at Scala Osteria, offering guidance, mentorship, and hands-on support throughout its development.
When the Executive Chef position became available again, Chef Ortiz readily stepped into the role to support the team and continue Scala’s legacy. Minta and Giovanni are thrilled to have a chef with such deep institutional knowledge and a nuanced understanding of Giovanni’s palate and home-style cooking at the helm. Today, Chef Ortiz leads the kitchen with a commitment to consistency, tradition, and the flavors that have defined Scala from the beginning.