Staff

Chef Christian Ticarro

 

Chef Christian Ticarro, Corporate Executive Chef/Co-Owner at Canyon Grille in Coon Rapids & Eden Prairie, is the creative force behind the buzz surrounding the restaurant’s unique wood fire grill menu that includes entrees, appetizers and desserts all integrating his unique brand of secret seasonings and preparation. Unlike a typical top tier restaurant where the Chef rarely cooks, diners find Ticarro right in the middle of the action. He encourages his staff to regularly experiment on their own with new tastes and ingredients, allowing each chef to create custom entrees to be served as weekly specials and at regularly scheduled 60-guest wine dinners.

The backbone of Ticarro’s all-star staff consists of one Corporate Chef, one Executive Chefs and three Sous Chefs that have worked with him a combined total of almost 30 years. With their help and his creative aptitude, Ticarro’s world-class entrées and approach to cuisine have made Canyon Grille the top pick with suburban and commuting visitors alike.

Although his father is a well-known Vietnamese-French chef – and he grew up in a family that embraced a love for food and its preparation – Ticarro never felt pressured to pick up the family apron while growing up. But at the age of 14, he found himself doing dishes and busing tables at local restaurants, and throughout college – where he majored in political science and history – Ticarro worked in restaurants to pay the bills and started realizing just how much he enjoyed cooking. Now with almost 20 years in the industry, Ticarro manages a seasoned staff of six chefs and is encouraging the next generation of talent by allowing students from the two best cooking schools in the Midwest to train under him during their externships.


Chef Christian Ticarro
ct@canyongrille.com


Ryan Pettis

 

Meet our bar manager Ryan. Ryan is originally from Plymouth, MN and has been in the hospitality industry for fifteen years. He has done everything from cooking to expediting to bartending. His first job at the age of fourteen was at Byerlys Restaurant where he bussed tables. “It was a good job for me at fourteen and I chose to stick with it.”  Ryan currently manages the Canyon Grille bar and bartends. His favorite drink to prepare is Margaritas. The greatest knowledge he has learned in the industry is PAR meaning Problem Action Resolve. His favorite food is Canyon Grille steaks and outside of work he enjoys golfing. One day Ryan hopes to be his own bar owner.  


Contact Ryan
ryan@canyongrille.com


Ted Brown

 

Meet our manager Ted Brown, or Teddy B as he’s regularly called here at Canyon Grille. Ted was raised in the bar and restaurant industry. His father Rick was a bartender and taught Teddy all he knows about customer service. “My Dad always kept the customer laughing and happy, giving them a reason to come back, again and again.” Originally from Northeast Minneapolis, Teddy has worked in restaurants from Robbinsdale to Duluth. “I lived in Duluth for five years and learned a lot working for a great family business up there.” He bartended, cooked and served on the north shore, but finally decided to come back home last year. “I’ve been with Canyon Grille since opening day and really enjoy watching this place grow. The servers and staff here are like my second family and we can’t wait to make you feel at home here too."



Contact Ted
teddyb@canyongrille.com


Jason Paintner

 

Meet Sous Chef Jason Paintner. Jason is originally from Blaine, MN and came to Canyon Grille Eden Prairie from Canyon Grille Coon Rapids. He is a graduate of the Arts Institute International where he studied Culinary Artistry. His first job in the industry was selling concessions at the local movie theatre. “When I was a sophomore in high school and taking foods class, I knew I wanted to become a chef.” “Plus I kicked everyone’s butt in that class!”  “My mom was also my inspiration to  become a chef.” “I like how food brings enjoyment to people.”  Jason’s favorite food is spaghetti and his favorite style of cooking is French and Fusion. His favorite Chef is Thomas Keller. “His take on food is genius.”  Outside of work, Jason enjoys hockey, movies, going out to dinner and if the foods bad, have more wine. He adds, “You only fail when you have failed to try.”


Contact Jason
jason@canyongrille.com


Ashley Wagner

 

Meet Sous Chef Ashley Wagner. Ashley is originally from New Brighton, MN and came to Canyon Grille Eden Prairie from Canyon Grille Coon Rapids. She is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu where she studied Culinary Artistry.  Her first job in the industry was during her freshman year where she worked at Taco Johns.“It was my first summer job. I worked there with my best friend and we had a blast.” “It was actually duringthat job I really started to appreciate food and ingredients, I made some mean tacos.” “From then on, I started hanging out in my kitchen at home, experimenting, testing, cooking, concocting and reading cook books. Ashley’s favorite style of cuisine is Fusion, Thai and of course French. “I have a deep appreciationfor French cuisine. It is the backbone of all.” Her favorite chefs include Lydia Bastianich and Julia Child. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with friends and family, shopping, dining out and cooking. “I couldn’t picture myself in any other career. I’m not the office type person.” “You can’t be in the industry for the money, the hours or the pace, only the passion.”

Contact Ashley
ashley@canyongrille.com


Justin Loucks

 

Justin Loucks, the newest addition to our management team, has been working here since October of 2006. Justin has been in the restaurant industry for over ten years. Growing up in Crystal, MN, Justin began as a server in a Retirement Home. "I love serving the folks there.They seemed to love buttermilk and chicken Kiev. There were a few 'known' grumps, but I really enjoyed spending time with them."

Justin learned then that working with people and food was something that came pretty naturally. After graduating from high school, through which he became a server trainer at Applebee's, Justin saved up enough money to move out to L.A. for school. While attending U.C.L.A. and earning his bachelor's degree in Sociology, Justin had the opportunity to work at the upscale sporting venues. He worked at the Dugout Club at Dodger's Stadium and The Arena Club at Staples Center. These jobs were "absolutely incredible... Fast-paced and really fun. I was able to basically watch the Los Angeles Lakers win 3 championships in a row... not to mention free concerts and Dodger baseball games where I served celebrities almost every night."

Having moved back to the Twin Cities in October of 2006, Justin landed the job at Canyon Grille and has been here ever since. "I really love this place. It's warm and comfortable, and the people here have become my family.. I love it when people enjoy themselves and return for good food and good times. Everyday is something new and exciting. I'l do my best to ensure you enjoy your experience here."

Contact Jason
justin@canyongrille.com