
Meet our Team
Front of House
We are immensely proud of our team members who go above and beyond to provide exceptional service to our guests. Their warm hospitality, attention to detail and deep understanding of our offerings have made dining with us a memorable experience. Many of our team members have been with us for years, bringing not just experience but also a genuine passion for creating a welcoming atmosphere. Their long tenure reflects their dedication and the strong bonds they've formed with the St. Helena community and visitors from all around the world.

Owner/Manager
Julio Sarabia
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Originally from Orange County, Julio worked practically every position to be had in restaurants since the age of 16. He moved to the Napa Valley in 2011, where he eventually found Gott’s Roadside. He spent his tenure as the General Manager of this gourmet staple in Saint Helena. With aspirations to own his own restaurant, he jumped at the opportunity to takeover a well established breakfast joint that the locals loved with long time friend Arely Guzman.
Julio, a father of five children, is very involved with his community. For the past 13 years he has resided in Calistoga where he has found joy in coaching football, basketball & baseball.
His most recent endeavor has been maintaining the 33 year reputation of Gillwoods while still thriving to elevate both service and the quality of the dishes.

Owner/Manager
Arely Guzman
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Originally from Jalisco, México, Arely has called St. Helena home since she was 5 years old. Arely holds her Mexican roots deep in her heart & she is so proud of her culture.
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After graduating St. Helena High, Arely attended the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising & majored in Interior Design. To further fuel her creative drive, she also studied Architecture at the Santa Rosa Junior College.
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While attending college, Arely began working at Gott's Roadside in St. Helena, where she would eventually become Assistant General Manager & serve a near 12 year tenure.
She could not be more thrilled to embark on this new journey with her business partner Julio. She loves St. Helena & could not be more happy to cater to her community with Gillwoods Cafe.
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Barista/Server
Victoria
Victoria has been with Gillwoods since May of 2012. She began in our (now closed) Napa location, and moved to our St. Helena location in 2013. She enjoys making connections with our guests and hearing their stories.

Server
Xochil
Xochil has been with Gillwoods since September of 1991. She started as a Busser/Prep, and became a server a year later. She is cherished by locals who have been loyal to Gillwoods since the beginning.

Barista/Server
Sandra
Sandra has been with Gillwoods since May of 2005. She worked at our (now closed) Napa location, and moved to our St. Helena location in 2013. Sandra loves meeting guests from all over the world. A natural host, she loves having guests over and making them feel special.

Server
Patricia
Trish has been with Gillwoods since August of 2004. She began in our (now closed) Napa location as a barista, and moved to our St. Helena location in 2005 as a server. Trish loves connecting with our guests, and appreciates the tight-knit community we have in St. Helena.

Busser
Gustavo
Gustavo, aka Mr. Tequila, has been with Gillwoods since June of 2003. He began as a Dishwasher and is now a Busser. During his long tenure, he has been able to see regulars grow up and start families of their own - that is his favorite part.

Busser
Jose
Jose has been with Gillwoods since 2017. Jose loves working with the Gillwoods staff, and feels as though they are family.

Server
Cynthia
Cindy has been with Gillwoods since July of 2007. Cindy enjoys meeting great customers who become family, and loves to see tourists return more than once!

Head Chef
Ivan
Ivan's culinary career started 19 years ago, beginning at Brannan's Grill in Calistoga. Ivan served a 16 year tenure at Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection, being a Sous Chef for 13 years. He is a husband, and father of two. Julio and Arely worked alongside Ivan at their previous job.
