Staffing

Willow Street Pizza hires executive chef, partner

Photo: Willow Street Pizza

October 25, 2023

California-based Willow Street Pizza has announced the appointment of Executive Chef and Partner Hisham Abdelfattah, who brings more than 18 years of experience to the role, according to a press release.

Willow Street Pizza has brought on Hisham Abdelfattah as executive chef and partner of the California-based pizza brand. Photo: Willow Street Pizza

Abdelfattah joins the company it its 30th year. He currently owns and heads up culinary at San Jose's Halal Mexican restaurant El Halal Amigos.

"I am so honored to join this establishment that's been a cherished part of the greater San Jose community for 30 years, and help guide its legacy into the future," Abdelfattah said in the release. "Guests can continue to expect high-quality food and a family-friendly environment, but I look forward to refreshing the brand with seasonal specials and restaurant renovations to attract a whole new generation of guests at Willow Street Pizza! A key part in what's made the restaurant beloved over the past 30 years has been the hospitality of the staff, many of whom have been at Willow Street Pizza since its inception. Willow Street has also cemented itself in the community by giving back and donating over $60,000 to various organizations and schools in just the last five years. I look forward to maintaining this ethos while utilizing my experience to elevate the restaurant even further, and we're thrilled to kick off this next chapter with our 30th anniversary party to celebrate the past, present, and future of the brand with our guests, friends and neighbors that have made Willow Street what it is today."

With locations in Los Gatos and Willow Glen, California, the brand was founded in 1991 by partners Ed Rathmann, Glen Thompson and Miguel Romero. It is known for its handcrafted pizzas, pastas salads and burgers.

"If you look at restaurants in the South Bay that have been around over 30 years, it's a short list, and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate this milestone anniversary with the people of Willow Glen and Los Gatos," Rathmann said in the release. "For years, our focus has been community, community, community. We've been fortunate to serve generations of families, and the restaurants have become iconic landmarks. As we look toward the future, I am delighted that Chef Hisham is joining our team. I have the utmost confidence that he will take Willow Street Pizza to the next level."