José Ramón Andrés Puerta is a Spanish and American chef and restaurateur, recognized for his significant contributions to the culinary world and humanitarian efforts. He was born in Spain and moved to the United States in the early 1990s, where he has since opened nearly 40 restaurants across various American cities. His culinary excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including being named one of Time Magazine’s '100 Most Influential People' and receiving the 'Outstanding Chef' and 'Humanitarian of the Year' awards from the James Beard Foundation.
In addition to his successful restaurant ventures, Andrés founded World Central Kitchen in 2010, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing meals in response to humanitarian crises. His work has garnered him prestigious honors, such as the National Humanities Medal awarded by President Barack Obama in 2015 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals in 2017. In 2023, he established the Global Food Institute at George Washington University and serves as Co-Chair of President Biden’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. As a naturalized citizen, Andrés is also a passionate advocate for immigration reform.
