Che Peña: The Vision Behind UNIDOS
The soul of UNIDOS is rooted in the journey of Che Peña—a hospitality veteran whose life has been defined by food, wine, and a deep respect for people.
Born in Mexico and raised in California, Che began his career at the legendary Ivy Restaurant in Los Angeles, where he spent ten transformative years mastering every front-of-house role—from busser and barista to server and bartender. His time there laid the groundwork for a lifelong pursuit of excellence in hospitality.
In 2002, Che joined Pace Restaurant, where he rose from server to General Manager, ultimately earning certification as a sommelier. He curated an acclaimed wine program focused on standout Italian vintages and helped elevate Pace's reputation for service and ambiance.
Now, with UNIDOS, Che brings together everything he's learned—his passion for wine, his love of Spanish and California cuisine, and his gift for making guests feel truly welcomed. UNIDOS is the culmination of that journey—a place where his spirit lives in every detail.
