Heather Zamarripa
Executive Recruiter
Division: Restaurant
Location: California (Coastal, Fresno, Northern), Oregon, Washington
Division: Hospitality
Location: Oregon, Washington
Heather Zamarripa
Executive Recruiter, Gecko Hospitality
Hospitality & Restaurant Division | California, Oregon & Washington
Phone: 619-489-2218 | Email: heather.zamarripa@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherzama/
About Heather
Heather Zamarripa is a hospitality, restaurant recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the California, Oregon, Washington market. Heather’s focus: Restaurant and culinary leadership recruiting (Pacific Region: CA, OR, WA); Executive Chef background. Over 15 years in hospitality.
Background & Experience
Over 15 years in hospitality; Corporate Executive Chef for University of Beer, managing culinary operations across four locations; Executive Chef and Owner-Operator of Grist Beer Hall, a craft gastropub recognized as ‘Best of Sacramento’ by Sacramento Magazine in 2018; experience at Sacramento’s Michelin-starred The Kitchen Restaurant; Peter Metz Award for Academic Excellence (2007); Bachelor of Arts from San Diego State University.
Areas of Focus
Positions: General Manager and Assistant General Manager; Executive Chef and culinary leadership; Multi-unit, area, and district leaders; Hotel and hospitality operations leadership; Director and senior operations roles
Markets served: California, Oregon, Washington.
How Heather Evaluates Talent
When evaluating candidates, I typically focus on three key areas: concept fit, ensuring the candidate’s experience and goals align with the company and specific opportunity; tenure and career stability, understanding the reasons behind job transitions while considering the candidate’s overall career progression; and leadership and operational volume, evaluating the scope of their leadership experience and familiarity with different levels of operational volume to provide clients with a well-rounded perspective when assessing candidates.
Heather’s Market Perspective
There is exponential growth happening in the Bay Area right now, from fast-casual to high end full service concepts, the opportunities for candidates and employers alike are on the rise.
Advice
For employers: Open and prompt communication.
For candidates: Do Your Research! Review the job description, visit the company’s website and social media profiles, read articles and reviews. Preparation is everything!
In Heather’s Words
“I work with candidates and clients as a true partner, providing extensive support to find the right fit for both sides, helping employers find their next great hires and job seekers make their next important career move.”
Testimonials
“Clear communication; very helpful that Heather was involved in the process of getting me hired.”
Uriel Ledesma (Candidate placement, December 2025)
“I felt grateful for the experience. Thankful for the opportunity and truly appreciate Heather for helping me find this position. Everyone was welcoming, and the overall experience made me feel excited about the possibility of being part of this fantastic business opportunity.”
Oscar Garcia (Candidate placement, January 2026)
“My experience with Gecko was extremely positive. Heather Zamarripa was professional and communicative throughout the process. Heather found a great career match for me and ensured that I had the right information and preparation to secure the position. She was clear, patient, and concise with her communication. I will certainly recommend Gecko to colleagues.”
Shandel Story (Candidate placement, June 2026)
Heather Zamarripa
Executive Recruiter
Division: Restaurant
Location: California (Coastal, Fresno, Northern), Oregon, Washington
Division: Hospitality
Location: Oregon, Washington
Heather Zamarripa
Executive Recruiter, Gecko Hospitality
Hospitality & Restaurant Division | California, Oregon & Washington
Phone: 619-489-2218 | Email: heather.zamarripa@geckohospitality.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherzama/
About Heather
Heather Zamarripa is a hospitality, restaurant recruiter with Gecko Hospitality serving the California, Oregon, Washington market. Heather’s focus: Restaurant and culinary leadership recruiting (Pacific Region: CA, OR, WA); Executive Chef background. Over 15 years in hospitality.
Background & Experience
Over 15 years in hospitality; Corporate Executive Chef for University of Beer, managing culinary operations across four locations; Executive Chef and Owner-Operator of Grist Beer Hall, a craft gastropub recognized as ‘Best of Sacramento’ by Sacramento Magazine in 2018; experience at Sacramento’s Michelin-starred The Kitchen Restaurant; Peter Metz Award for Academic Excellence (2007); Bachelor of Arts from San Diego State University.
Areas of Focus
Positions: General Manager and Assistant General Manager; Executive Chef and culinary leadership; Multi-unit, area, and district leaders; Hotel and hospitality operations leadership; Director and senior operations roles
Markets served: California, Oregon, Washington.
How Heather Evaluates Talent
When evaluating candidates, I typically focus on three key areas: concept fit, ensuring the candidate’s experience and goals align with the company and specific opportunity; tenure and career stability, understanding the reasons behind job transitions while considering the candidate’s overall career progression; and leadership and operational volume, evaluating the scope of their leadership experience and familiarity with different levels of operational volume to provide clients with a well-rounded perspective when assessing candidates.
Heather’s Market Perspective
There is exponential growth happening in the Bay Area right now, from fast-casual to high end full service concepts, the opportunities for candidates and employers alike are on the rise.
Advice
For employers: Open and prompt communication.
For candidates: Do Your Research! Review the job description, visit the company’s website and social media profiles, read articles and reviews. Preparation is everything!
In Heather’s Words
“I work with candidates and clients as a true partner, providing extensive support to find the right fit for both sides, helping employers find their next great hires and job seekers make their next important career move.”
Testimonials
“Clear communication; very helpful that Heather was involved in the process of getting me hired.”
Uriel Ledesma (Candidate placement, December 2025)
“I felt grateful for the experience. Thankful for the opportunity and truly appreciate Heather for helping me find this position. Everyone was welcoming, and the overall experience made me feel excited about the possibility of being part of this fantastic business opportunity.”
Oscar Garcia (Candidate placement, January 2026)
“My experience with Gecko was extremely positive. Heather Zamarripa was professional and communicative throughout the process. Heather found a great career match for me and ensured that I had the right information and preparation to secure the position. She was clear, patient, and concise with her communication. I will certainly recommend Gecko to colleagues.”
Shandel Story (Candidate placement, June 2026)