Our team

RYAN ZALE, Executive Chef

Ryan, originally from Ohio, attended culinary school at the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts in Pittsburgh, PA. Following graduation, Ryan began his career as Sous Chef at the Pittsburgh Fish Market. His impressive resume also includes Assistant Banquet Chef at the Villa Christina in Atlanta, Georgia, the Executive Chef at Grille on Seventh in Pittsburgh, and two years at the Inn at Little Washington where he worked his way through every position on the line.

When LOCAL Chop & Grill House opened in 2009, Ryan was the Executive Chef and helped to lead the charge in bringing a true farm to table experience to the Valley. Ryan’s leadership and design of both line and menu was a huge part of the ongoing success of the LOCAL Chop. To this day, Ryan’s cooking philosophies and approach to food has helped to shape the culture of identifying and highlighting both the craftsmen who provide the products we serve and the vitality of our beloved Shenandoah Valley.