Minetti Family – Owners
The Far Western Tavern is owned by three generations of the Minetti family. Clarence and Rosalie Minetti established the Far Western Tavern in 1958 along with Rosalie’s cousin, Richard Maretti, and his wife Jean. The restaurant was born of local flavors and family traditions, and inspired by classic California ranch-style hospitality. This founding legacy endures today as Clarence and Rosalie’s children and grandchildren remain committed to advancing the Far Western Tavern tradition.
James Gentry – Kitchen Lead
James is a Santa Maria native who developed his passion for cooking at an early age. He attended culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, where he enhanced his palate and skills with strict training and special guidance from leading chefs. After starting his career in corporate catering, he joined Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse in downtown Los Angeles, where he worked with Chef Megan Logan. “Once I had enough hands-on training to advance my career, I decided to move back home,” James says. He further honed his line cooking technique at Chumash Casino in the Santa Ynez Valley before joining the Far Western Tavern. “The Far Western Tavern is a perfect fit for my skills and experience,” he says. “I’m always pushing myself—my motto is you’re only as good as your last meal.”
Londi Caldera – General Manager
Londi is a Central Coast native whose management approach is driven by a passion for hospitality and an attention to detail. Prior to joining the Far Western Tavern, she was the front-of-the-house manager for Full of Life Flatbread, where she honed her management and hospitality skills for several years. She later played a significant role in helping the Far Western Tavern move to its new location in Old Town Orcutt. ”My goal is to make the dining experience at the Far Western Tavern enjoyable and memorable, leaving guests looking forward to their next visit,” she says.
Kerry Farao – Wine Steward
Kerry is a Santa Maria Valley native with extensive experience in the fields of food and wine, starting with her first job as a server at the Far Western Tavern. “Clarence Minetti taught me the proper way to pour and present wine to a guest,” she says. She earned her enology and viticulture degree from Fresno State. She has worked at Napa Valley’s Beaulieu Vineyard, Oakville Grocery and Brix Wine Shop, and at Santa Barbara County’s Zaca Mesa Winery and Foxen Winery. She has achieved the first level of the Court of Master Sommelier, and is on her way toward completing this prestigious internationally recognized program. As our wine steward, she comes full circle back to the Far Western Tavern, managing our 1,200-bottle cellar, conducting staff education and providing insightful wine service to our customers.
Lindsey Serna – Events Coordinator
Lindsey is a Santa Maria Valley native who developed an early affinity for hospitality while cooking and planning events in the community as well as at high school and college. She later honed her restaurant and event-planning skills while working at Kay’s Country Kitchen, Full of Life Flatbread and her family-owned Maretti Catering. Along the way, she also earned a degree in parks and recreation with a concentration in tourism at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. “My goal is to make all of our special events memorable,” she says. “To me, this means getting creative and personalizing the event to the needs of each client. I look forward to helping you plan your next event.”
