Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Chef Gilbert Rodriguez has joined the San Pedro Spiritual Development Center in Winter Park, aiming to improve the dining experience for guests. Rodriguez, who was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in San Francisco, began cooking at age 10 alongside his mother, a dietary specialist. He started considering a culinary career during high school after realizing sports might not be his future. “I played a lot of high school sports, but I’m not a tall man so I figured I better look for another option,” he said.

A counselor directed him to a culinary program at another high school, leading to a scholarship for junior college studies. Later, he studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Over three decades, Rodriguez worked as an executive chef at five-star resorts and restaurants, private clubs, conference centers, and served as a personal chef for sports celebrities in Washington, D.C., and Florida.

Rodriguez moved to Florida in 1999 to work as a chef for the Sheraton at Sea World. He explained his decision to join San Pedro: “I think the Lord and my wife had something to do with it.” After retiring to care for his wife Mindy until her passing nearly three years ago, Rodriguez returned to professional cooking but did not find fulfillment until this new opportunity arose. “When this came up and I spoke with Randall (Piner) and saw the facility, it fit exactly what I was looking for,” he said. “I want to give people a dining experience above what they expect. When they come in and we exceed their expectations, we’ve met our goal.”

San Pedro’s executive director Randall Pinner described the change: “We wanted to enhance the dining experience for our guests and move the kitchen operations in house rather than through a caterer,” he said. “Since joining the San Pedro Spiritual Development Center as our new executive chef, Gilbert Rodriguez has totally transformed our food service abilities. With his fresh take on scratch ingredients, he has not only boosted flavors but also cut waste with fresh seasonal sourcing. Guests are raving about the nourishing, soul-soothing meals that now feel like an extension of our retreats, making every bite a deeper part of the spiritual experience on these sacred grounds.”

The San Pedro Spiritual Development Center operates within the Diocese of Orlando, which was established in 1968 and covers nine counties including Brevard and Orange Counties.