Meet The Team
Jennifer Pucci, General Manager
Jennifer Pucci is a dedicated hospitality professional with a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences and building strong, high-performing teams. With extensive experience in restaurant operations, leadership, training, and staff development, she is committed to fostering a positive workplace culture where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Jennifer believes that great hospitality starts with great people. She is passionate about mentoring team members, developing efficient systems, and creating memorable dining experiences through exceptional service and attention to detail. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and leading by example.
As part of the opening team at Ember & Vine, Jennifer is excited to help bring a fresh dining experience to the community while building a team that delivers genuine hospitality and excellence every day.
Nicholas Cox, Executive Chef
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Nicholas began working in restaurants at 14 years old and quickly discovered a lifelong passion for cooking. Since then, he's worked his way through every position in the kitchen, developing a deep appreciation for both the craft of cooking and the discipline required to lead a successful team.
His cooking philosophy is rooted in simplicity and respect for ingredients. Influenced by the vibrant cuisines of regions near the equator and raised with a strong appreciation for fresh produce, he believes exceptional ingredients require very little intervention. His goal is always to let each ingredient speak for itself through thoughtful, honest cooking.
As a chef, he values organization, consistency, and calm leadership. He believes great kitchens are built on respect, accountability, and teamwork, creating an environment where both people and food can thrive. His approach is summed up by a favorite quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: "Perfection is attained not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to remove."
Miranda Whitaker, Pastry Chef
With over sixteen years of experience in the pastry arts, Miranda Whitaker is known for her refined approach to dessert, blending classical technique with contemporary creativity. Having studied at Le Cordon Bleu Miami, she has built a career defined by precision, artistry, and exceptional attention to detail.
Specializing in elegant pastries and sophisticated dessert experiences, Miranda creates work that is both visually striking and deeply rooted in flavor, craftsmanship, and the timeless traditions of fine pastry.