Jenner Tomaska is the executive chef and co-owner of Esmé, a mission-driven restaurant in Chicago he runs alongside his wife and business partner, Katrina Bravo. Raised in the southern suburbs of Chicago, he began working in kitchens at just 14. He later studied at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, earning degrees in Culinary Arts and Food 

Service Management. After early experience in Hilton Head, Tomaska returned to Chicago to pursue fine dining, training at mk The Restaurant before joining Next Restaurant under The Alinea Group. He progressed rapidly through the ranks to become Executive Chef, leading numerous ambitious menu transitions and earning widespread critical acclaim, including 

multiple four-star reviews from the Chicago Tribune and two James Beard Rising Star Chef nominations. Since opening in 2021, Esmé has received significant national recognition and prestigious industry accolades. Known for its quarterly evolving menus inspired by contemporary artists, the restaurant has established Tomaska as one of the most creative and forward-thinking chefs of his generation.