Jane Hernandez

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila

JANE HERNANDEZ, VICE PRESIDENT OF CULINARY

Born and raised in the sun-kissed city of Los Angeles, California, Jane Hernandez stands as a culinary visionary with more than two decades of creative expertise under her apron. With a prolific track record in culinary ideation, product/program development, and concept prototyping, Hernandez holds the distinguished title of Vice President of Culinary at Bodega Taqueria & Tequila, the rapidly expanding national brand renowned for its fast-casual taco joint-by-day and speakeasy-style lounge-by-night concepts. Throughout her career, Hernandez has held executive positions with globally-recognized companies such as Subway and Starbucks, as well as notable hospitality brands like Kimpton Hotels, PKR Group and Trio & Spectra Restaurant Group. In her new role with the South Florida-based brand, Hernandez oversees everything from scratch development of new menu items to the development of the culinary teams at Bodega’s multiple locations across South Florida, Chicago, and coming soon to Nashville and Washington D.C.

Hernandez’ gastronomic journey is rooted in family tradition including weekend rituals watching the small screen with her mother where they reveled in the masterclasses of legends like Julia Child, The Frugal Gourmet, and Lydia’s Kitchen. Her fascination transformed into a profession when Hernandez took her first job as an innkeeper’s assistant at a B&B, setting her on a path to master the culinary craft.

A proud alumna of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, California, Hernandez spent her formative years in the kitchen of Farallon in the Bay Area. From oyster shucking to mastering the grill, Farallon’s dedication to quality and service shaped her standards and culinary prowess. Her influences are as eclectic as her dishes. From the pioneering genius of Alice Waters and the humanity shown by José Andrés to her mentors Chef Mark Franz, Chef Ron Boyd, and Chef Parke Ulrich, Hernandez’s cooking style is a mélange of experiences and inspirations. But at the heart of her ingenuity are the California farmers markets, where the sheer beauty of seasonal produce inspires her every dish.

Described by peers as “robust, lively, and deceptively complex”, Hernandez’ cooking is a testament to her West Coast roots and her travel experiences. Simplicity meets eclectic innovation in every plate she crafts.

Beyond her professional accolades, which include the coveted “Trailblazer Award” from Starbucks Coffee Company, Hernandez is a devoted mother to an 11-year-old budding soccer enthusiast. She cherishes community-building, live music, beach days, and the thrill of the NFL and NBA, rooting passionately for the San Francisco 49ers and the Golden State Warriors.

Having recently moved from Seattle to Miami, Hernandez is excited to create authentic and innovative culinary experiences at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila that reflect her impressive pedigree, California-inspired style, and her commitment to community and team camaraderie.