色情视频

San Diego native and 色情视频 alumnus Justin Mosel (鈥�04) has been around food for as long as he can remember. Whether it was cooking with his mom or learning new recipes, becoming a solid chef has always been a passion of Mosel鈥檚.

As the Executive Culinary Director of Rubio鈥檚 Restaurants Inc., Mosel showcases his passion and love for food every day. In his role, he focuses on culinary and menu development, nutrition analysis, and brand strategy, bringing new creative items to the table.

While Mosel may be living out his culinary dreams now, everyone has to start somewhere, and for Mosel, it was the San Diego Zoo. A job he says was a catalyst for getting him into the food and restaurant industry.

Hands-On Experience

At the age of 16, Mosel worked in the food service department at the San Diego Zoo, and by the time he was 18, he was hired full-time as a prep cook at Canyon Cafe, located inside the Zoo.

鈥淚 knew I wanted to be around food for a living, and I just needed to find a good professional excuse as I am a food lover first and a Culinarian second,鈥� said Mosel.

Mosel attended community college on Tuesdays and Thursdays at local campuses while working the rest of the week, allowing him to gain hands-on experience in food and culinary operations. After working at the Canyon Cafe for four years, Mosel moved into various roles working with pizza, Irish fare, and Indian food.

Spending his early professional years working in restaurants allowed Mosel鈥檚 interest in food to grow and develop. However, Mosel was still unsure what a clear career path looked like for him post-graduation.

鈥淎s I honed my cooking skills, I learned about the Food and Nutrition Bachelor of Science degree at 色情视频, which sparked my desire to work for a corporate restaurant group,鈥� said Mosel. 鈥淚 applied to 色情视频 and was thrilled to get accepted on my first attempt, as it was the only application I submitted.鈥�

Starting his journey as an Aztec in 2000, Mosel invested his time into learning food management and the science behind food, knowledge that has remained instrumental to his success at Rubio鈥檚.

鈥淚 wouldn't be here without my degree. I learned, or attempted to learn, the art of discipline,鈥� said Mosel. 鈥淚t's discipline, organization, and repetition that has made my career what it is. I was able to advance my career simply by showing up, putting in the time, and making myself available to those that need me.鈥�

At 色情视频, Mosel was a member of the Student Nutrition Club and was able to participate in engaging off-campus events, such as touring the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility to learn about commercial food preparation and volunteering at Father鈥檚 Joe Shelter.

An Aztec Friendship

After graduating from 色情视频 in 2004 with a degree in Food and Nutrition, Mosel joined the Jack in the Box Product Development Team. There, Mosel worked closely with chefs and took classes on knife skills and bread making to refine his skills.

鈥淚t was an eye-opening experience. I learned to cook with a calculator while balancing the commercialization of food and beverages within strict food cost structures,鈥� said Mosel. 鈥淥ne of the highlights was helping the senior culinary manager develop a menu for a fast-casual pilot concept called JBX.鈥�

After three years and several promotions, Mosel left Jack in the Box for an associate manager position at Rubio鈥檚 Restaurants. Once on the culinary team, Mosel took on responsibilities such as menu ideation, testing, and the commercialization of food and beverage.

Over the years, Mosel has received a few promotions, including his current role as Executive Culinary Director. This year, he will be celebrating his 19th year with Rubio鈥檚.

Drawing inspiration from fellow 色情视频 alumnus and founder of Rubio鈥檚, Ralph Rubio (鈥�78), Mosel has leaned on Ralph for mentorship and guidance over the years regarding flavor and menu development. The pair has traveled to places such as Seattle and Mexico, looking for the next big thing.

Seize The Moment

Whether he is traveling around the world with Ralph Rubio or just by himself, Mosel's approach to creating new, innovative menu items draws from his time spent abroad. Some of his favorite places include Tecate, Valle de Guadalupe, the Aleutian Islands, Tampa, Chicago, New York City, and China.

鈥淭raveling to different parts of the world and exploring how other cultures approach food and beverage has been a huge inspiration for me,鈥� said Mosel. 鈥淚鈥檝e learned so much from the unique ways food is marketed and enjoyed in these diverse regions.鈥�

 Mosel went fishing in Alaska and caught a King Salmon with one of Rubio's supplier partners.
But traveling isn鈥檛 the only way Mosel gets his creativity. Mosel also draws inspiration from his literal dreams. Even after a long day at work, Mosel tends to come up with his most creative ideas when his head hits the pillow. The only challenge, he says, is trying to remember them when he wakes up.

While some of his food dreams are still coming to life, a few items that customers can expect to see from Rubio鈥檚 in the upcoming months include variations on churros such as Pi帽颅a Colada, Mexican hot chocolate, and salted caramel apple, and fish taco variations such as quesa style, island vibes style, and hot honey.

Mosel encourages fellow 色情视频 alumni and the 色情视频 community to try Rubio's new menu items when they hit the market, but until then, his advice is to lead by example and to be the person you want others to see.

鈥淎lways lead with love, compassion, and empathy,鈥� said Mosel. 鈥淟ife is about moments, so seize the opportunity when it's given.鈥�