our team

Jonny brings over 18 years of experience in the restaurant and service industry, with a strong leadership background in restaurant management since 2016. He has been part of the Epic Brands family for nearly six years, joining the company in 2020 when Agave & Rye opened in Rookwood. Since then, Jonny has helped lead multiple locations to success, serving as General Manager at Liberty Center and Hamilton, while also stepping into District and Area Director roles to support teams across the brand.

Jonny is passionate about building strong teams, developing leaders, and creating an unforgettable guest experience. His leadership style is rooted in positivity, accountability, and bringing people together to succeed.

Outside of the restaurant, Jonny is family-oriented and loves spending time with his wife and two kids. He also enjoys the outdoors and prioritizing both his mental and physical health, which helps him bring energy and focus into everything he does.

A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Chef Jonathan Sauer represents the next generation of chef leadership, combining refined technique with modern creativity and purpose-driven cooking. His background includes experience in Michelin-recognized kitchens, hyper-seasonal California cuisine, and globally inspired small-plates concepts known for precision and innovation.

Chef Jon’s career includes time at North Block in Yountville, California, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, as well as stages and professional development in Michelin-starred kitchens in New York City, including Aquavit and restaurants led by Daniel Boulud. His cooking philosophy emphasizes seasonality, sustainability, fermentation, open-fire techniques, and thoughtful use of ingredients from root to stem. Highly respected for his calm leadership, attention to detail, and passion for mentorship, Chef Jon thrives in kitchens where discipline meets creativity. He brings energy, curiosity, and modern perspective to every plate—ensuring consistency, elegance, and bold flavor execution.