About Us

Bill Medina was born on a sugar cane plantation in the southeast of Havana, Cuba where he had his first introduction to the food industry. His grandmother ran a bar and cafe in the small town and by the age of 7 she allowed him to serve customers. When Bill was 11 his family moved to Miami, Florida. This significant transition from a small agricultural town to one of America’s largest cities provided him with a unique perspective on social dynamics. In Miami, at the age of 14, Bill secured his first official job as a dishwasher in an Argentinian steakhouse.

Driven by a passion for self-development, Bill quickly advanced through various positions in different restaurants. At 19 his career took a fortunate turn when he was offered a position as a front-of-house employee at a private island resort. On his first day he served Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias, who were having a business dinner. This experience set the stage for what was to come in Bill’s professional journey.

A few years later, after the property was sold, Bill accepted a position with The Stanley Hotel where he worked for over a decade. During his tenure he held every position within the restaurant with notable achievements including managing Cascades, playing a key role in the opening of the Stanley Wine Bar, and becoming a whiskey connoisseur. After 12 years with the Grand Heritage Hotel Group, Bill took on a management role at a family owned restaurant. When the Gafner Hospitality Group decided to open Ember, Bill was appointed as the General Manager.

In his personal life Bill cherishes spending time with his wife and two sons, as well as in Varadero, Cuba where he is involved in a small development project. He also serves as a board member for a nonprofit organization based in Boulder. Bill is a passionate individual who values hard work, dedication, personal growth, and making a meaningful impact. Professionally, he is deeply committed to the restaurant industry.