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Luis Barerra

Luis Barerra

Butcher, Union Square Cafe
Previous Roles: Dishwasher, Prep Cook, Assistant to Pasta Cook, Butcher's Assistant

 “I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much having worked with so many great people over the years,” said Luis Barrera, our butcher at Union Square Cafe. “I started as a student and ended up the teacher.”

Beloved by all, he has dedicated 27 years to the kitchen at Union Square Cafe. He began as a night dishwasher and over the years, he took on many roles including prep cook, assistant to the pasta cook, and butcher’s assistant.

What is your favorite Union Square Cafe memory? “Back when it was just Union Square Cafe and Gramercy Tavern, there would be an annual park day where we’d all get together to play softball and drink beers and unwind, it was always a wonderful time to just hang out and get to know my colleagues.”