WINTER PARK  | Chef Gilbert Rodriguez has elevated the dining experience at San Pedro Spiritual Development Center and is setting a new standard for guests.

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in San Francisco, he recalled, “I’ve been cooking since I was 10 years old.” His mother, Rafaela, was a dietary specialist and he used to attend classes with her. That piqued his interest, but it wasn’t until high school he began to consider culinary arts as a career.

“I played a lot of high school sports, but I’m not a tall man so I figured I better look for another option,” he laughed. A counselor recommended a culinary program at another high school. Then he received a scholarship for the culinary program in junior college. He began working in the field and years later had the opportunity to study at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

He said he loves cooking because he’s good at it and he’s “taken the time to learn the craft.”

Over the next 30 years, he honed his talent and expertise as an executive chef at five-star resorts, boutique and large restaurants, private clubs, conference centers, and as a personal chef for sports celebrities in the Washington, D.C. area and Florida.

Chef Rodriguez moved to Florida in 1999, to work as a chef for the Sheraton at Sea World. Asked why he wanted to bring his gifts to San Pedro Spiritual Development Center he said, “I think the Lord and my wife had something to do with it.” Rodriguez’s wife, Mindy passed away almost three years ago. He retired to take care of her and returned to his culinary career after she died. But he wasn’t really enjoying the work.

“When this came up and I spoke with Randall (Piner) and saw the facility, it fit exactly what I was looking for,” he said. “I want to give people a dining experience above what they expect. When they come in and we exceed their expectations, we’ve met our goal.”

“We wanted to enhance the dining experience for our guests and move the kitchen operations in house rather than through a caterer,” explained San Pedro’s executive director Randall Pinner. “Since joining the San Pedro Spiritual Development Center as our new executive chef, Gilbert Rodriguez has totally transformed our food service abilities. With his fresh take on scratch ingredients, he has not only boosted flavors but also cut waste with fresh seasonal sourcing. Guests are raving about the nourishing, soul-soothing meals that now feel like an extension of our retreats, making every bite a deeper part of the spiritual experience on these sacred grounds.”

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, November 6, 2025