George’s at the Cove Hires Zach Schneider as New Pastry Chef

George’s at the Cove just hired Zach Schneider as their new Pastry Chef, and if you’ve been following San Diego’s restaurant scene, you might recognize his name from 31Thirtyone by Deckman’s in North Park. He spent over a year there leading the pastry program before the restaurant transitioned into Deckman’s North at 3131.

The cool part? MICHELIN-starred Chef Drew Deckman personally recommended him to George’s Chef and Operating Partner Trey Foshee. That’s the kind of endorsement that carries weight.

He’s Got MICHELIN Experience

Schneider’s only 27, but he’s already worked in some serious kitchens. He started at PRESS Restaurant in Napa Valley right after graduating from Gonzaga, and PRESS earned its first MICHELIN star a few months later.

He came back home to San Diego in 2023, spent a year working the line at Kingfisher, then got his first lead role at 31Thirtyone. Now he’s at George’s, joining Trey Foshee and Executive Chef Masa Kojima on the executive kitchen team.

Coming Home to a San Diego Icon

For a San Diego native, landing at George’s is kind of a big deal. The restaurant’s been a La Jolla institution since 1984, and Schneider seems genuinely humbled by the opportunity. “George’s at the Cove is a San Diego institution, and I look forward to contributing to its longstanding tradition of excellence,” he said.

You can tell this isn’t just another job for him – it’s one of those full-circle moments.

Perfect Timing With the Rooftop Remodel

Schneider’s joining during an exciting time. George’s is in the middle of a major remodel of the Ocean Terrace rooftop – new floor, new tabletops, new glass wall, new umbrellas, permanent heaters, the whole deal. It should reopen sometime in mid-to-late January.

Until then, Level2 is still open for lunch, dinner, and their Little Luxuries menu from 2 to 5 PM with food and drink specials. And honestly, the covered, open-air Level2 gives you pretty much the same ocean views, so you’re not missing much while they finish up.

A New Chapter

Schneider’s replacing Anna Adams, who’d been with George’s since 2015 and worked her way up to Pastry Chef last June. She recently left to pursue other opportunities. It’s always a little bittersweet when someone moves on after nearly a decade, but that’s how it goes – people grow, things change, and new talent comes in with fresh ideas.