Guy Vaknin
Chef & CEO
Chef Guy Vaknin is the visionary force behind City Roots Hospitality, a pioneering restaurant group redefining plant-based dining. Since founding the company in 2012, his mission has been clear: inspire conscious eating while elevating sustainability and culinary innovation. Guided by the belief that food is memory, culture, and emotion, he created restaurants that connect cuisine with the environment while delivering an exceptional experience.
The journey began with Beyond Sushi, whose success sparked expansion into Willow Vegan Bistro (vegan American comfort), Coletta (Italian classics), Anixi (Mediterranean), Sentir (Mexican), Le Basque (French-Spanish), and Reverie (Brooklyn’s global flavors). Nationally recognized, Chef Guy competed on Hell’s Kitchen and in 2018 secured one of ABC’s largest Shark Tank deals. Today, he leads the plant-based movement with creativity, sustainability, and passion for extraordinary food.
Tali Vaknin
Marketing & Creative Director
Tali, an Ohio native with deep Hungarian and Israeli roots, is a proud mother of three and a devoted animal lover with four cats. Family-oriented and endlessly creative, she has always had a keen eye for design and storytelling.
In 2005, she moved to New York to pursue a degree in Fashion Merchandising, launching her career at KCD as a Fashion Show Production Coordinator. There, she collaborated with top designers and modeling agencies before joining renowned event designer Antony Todd, crafting unforgettable experiences for elite clients like Elton John and Victoria’s Secret.
Her passion for event production led her to the culinary world, where she worked alongside Chef Guy as Catering Sales Director at a top Manhattan catering company. In 2012, the duo took a bold leap, founding City Roots Hospitality—a visionary vegan restaurant group—where Tali spearheads marketing, branding, and creative direction.
Juan Cumets
Head Chef
Juan, a proud Guatemalan with a lifelong passion for soccer, has built an impressive career in the culinary world. In his free time, he enjoys playing the guitar or watching boxing with friends.
His journey in hospitality began over a decade ago as a dishwasher at City Roots Hospitality. Through dedication, continuous learning, and the mentorship of Chef Guy, he worked his way up to become the Head Chef at Anixi, Willow, Coletta, and Le Basque. Today, he leads exceptional kitchen teams, crafting outstanding dining experiences.
Juan’s love for cooking has evolved into deep expertise in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and team leadership. Proud of his journey, he remains committed to delivering excellence in every dish he creates.
Orlando Tepi
Head Chef
Orlando, originally from Mexico, joined City Roots Hospitality in 2016 as the commissary chef, initially focusing on catering before taking on the responsibility of overseeing production for the entire restaurant group.
As dedicated and family-oriented professional, Orlando brings passion and precision to his work. Outside of the kitchen, he enjoys singing, dancing, and indulging in his favorite food—tacos. A devoted Mets fan, he also loves spending time at the beach during the summer. A unique connection in his journey, Orlando has worked with Chef Guy in previous roles and has known him since the age of 10, making their professional collaboration even more special.
ARIANO Rapushaj
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Arjan also known as Ariano began his journey as a dishwasher and worked his way up by mastering every role. He spent six years with Applebee’s, five years with Dean & DeLuca, and another five at One if by Land, Two if by Sea, gaining invaluable experience along the way.
Having grown up in the industry, he has developed a deep understanding of food, cost management, and exceptional service. Recognizing that hospitality is one of the toughest yet most rewarding fields, he embraces it with passion—ensuring every guest has a memorable experience, every time.
Erick Castro
Marketing and Content Manager
Erick has over a decade of experience in marketing, with more than five years as a professional photographer specializing in restaurant marketing and food photography. A proud Puerto Rican, he was born and raised in Queens, NY.
From a young age, Erick was drawn to all forms of art, constantly creating and exploring new ways to express himself—an early passion that shaped his career. Today, he thrives on producing and capturing content that elevates brands and brings ideas to life. For him, there is nothing more rewarding than transforming a concept into a compelling visual that resonates with people.
Erika Tepi
HR & Office Manager
A lifelong New Yorker with a BA in Psychology, Erika brings a people-first mindset and years of administrative experience to her role as HR and Office Manager at City Roots Hospitality.
She began her career in retail management, where she developed a strong foundation in administration before transitioning into hospitality. In this role, she focuses on optimizing systems, supporting teams, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Outside of work, Erika enjoys traveling, getting lost in a great book, and discovering the best of what the world—and New York—have to offer.