Portrait of Ryan Fancher
i. Biography
The Path
Training at Barndiva gave Ryan Fancher the early framework for a career built across California kitchens, with Per Se, El Dorado Kitchen, and Ox + Anchor also part of that line. Each stop added to the steakhouse-led point of view he brings to hotel dining now.
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The Work Today
At Hotel San Luis Obispo, the executive-chef role ties Ryan Fancher to Ox + Anchor in San Luis Obispo, where the steakhouse format is run through a modern California lens. The menu leans into classic dishes presented with precision, and Fancher’s own framing keeps the focus on place: proximity to the ocean, the restaurant’s modern setting, and contemporary California cuisine.
In Their Words “I’m a California native and because of that, our proximity to the ocean and the modern décor of the restaurant, the menu items are heavily influenced by contemporary California cuisine.”
Acclaim
The record here is straightforward: an opening-team role at Per Se, an opening-chef role at El Dorado Kitchen, leadership of the culinary team at Barndiva, and the executive-chef post at Hotel San Luis Obispo.
FAQ
Asked of Ryan
What is Ryan Fancher's current role?
As of 2026, Ryan Fancher is Executive Chef.
What is Ryan Fancher known for?
Ox + Anchor puts a modern spin on the classic steakhouse and serves meticulously crafted versions of classic dishes.
The Sunday email
Read about chefs like Ryan Fancher in the Sunday email.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.