Meet Our Team
The passionate professionals who bring expertise, creativity, and warmth to every experience at Carnys.
Chef Ali Rezaei
Executive Chef & Co-Owner
With over 15 years of Persian and Mediterranean culinary expertise, Chef Ali brings authentic flavors from Tehran to Los Angeles. Trained at Le Cordon Bleu and having worked in Michelin-starred establishments across California, Chef Ali specializes in traditional Persian cooking techniques while adding his own modern twist. His signature dishes include hand-ground koobideh kebabs, slow-cooked ghormeh sabzi, and the restaurant's famous saffron-infused tahdig.
Credentials & Experience
- •Culinary Arts Degree, Le Cordon Bleu
- •Featured in LA Weekly Top 10 Mediterranean Chefs 2024
- •James Beard Foundation Member
- •Certified Executive Chef (CEC)
- •15+ years professional culinary experience
Areas of Expertise
Omar Hassan
Master Hookah Craftsman
Omar has been perfecting the art of hookah preparation for over 12 years, trained in the traditional methods of Cairo and Beirut. As Carnys' Master Hookah Craftsman, he personally selects and blends premium tobacco flavors, ensuring each session delivers the perfect draw and flavor profile. Omar trains all hookah staff and maintains the highest standards in equipment and preparation.
Credentials & Experience
- •12+ years hookah expertise
- •Certified Hookah Lounge Manager
- •Traditional Cairo-style training
- •Premium tobacco flavor expert
- •Equipment maintenance specialist
Areas of Expertise
Sophia Martinez
Head Mixologist & Botanical Bar Curator
Sophia is a certified mixologist with a passion for botanical wellness drinks. With 8 years of experience in craft cocktail creation and certification in herbal medicine, she curates Carnys' unique botanical bar menu featuring kava, blue lotus, and specialty elixirs. Her innovative approach combines traditional mixology with modern wellness trends, creating signature cocktails that are as beneficial as they are delicious.
Credentials & Experience
- •Certified Mixologist (CMI)
- •Herbalist Certificate, American Herbalists Guild
- •Kava Preparation Specialist
- •8+ years craft cocktail experience
- •Featured in LA Cocktail Magazine 2024
Areas of Expertise
Isabella Chen
Director of Events & Entertainment
Isabella brings 10 years of event planning expertise to Carnys, specializing in private parties, corporate events, and live entertainment coordination. Having managed events for venues across Los Angeles, she ensures every celebration at Carnys is seamless and memorable. Isabella personally curates the weekly live music lineup and works closely with clients to create customized event experiences.
Credentials & Experience
- •Certified Event Planner (CEP)
- •10+ years event management experience
- •Entertainment industry specialist
- •Corporate event expert
- •Over 500 successful events coordinated
Areas of Expertise
Carnys Editorial Team
Content & Community
The Carnys Editorial Team consists of food writers, cultural enthusiasts, and hospitality professionals passionate about sharing the stories behind Mediterranean cuisine, hookah culture, and the vibrant community at Carnys. Our team collaborates with Chef Ali and our staff experts to create authentic, informative content.
Credentials & Experience
- •Food & Beverage Industry Experts
- •Certified Content Strategists
- •Middle Eastern Culture Specialists
- •SEO & Digital Marketing Certified
Areas of Expertise
Join Our Team
We're always looking for passionate professionals to join the Carnys family. If you have expertise in Mediterranean cuisine, hospitality, or event management, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact Us About Opportunities