Imagine leading the kitchen at one of Walt Disney World’s most enchanting restaurants, Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom. That’s exactly what Chef Jerry Quijada Gonzalez does now. But his incredible Disney journey started over two decades ago, far from the Beast’s castle, as part of the International College Program at EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion.
“I instantly fell in love with Disney’s vision and everything it represented,” Chef Jerry shares.
That first taste of Disney magic sparked a dream that shaped his entire career. Even after building a successful culinary path back in Mexico and finishing college, the thought of returning to Disney never left him.
The chance to come back to Central Florida finally arrived, but it demanded a huge sacrifice. Chef Jerry and his family left a thriving career, packed their entire lives into just four suitcases, and moved, driven by pure belief. After years of unwavering perseverance and dozens of applications, he officially joined Disney Culinary as a sous chef in 2016. What an amazing commitment!
“I owe my journey here to my wife, my kids, my mentors, and my amazing team,” Chef Jerry states, reminding us that no great feat is achieved alone.
Years later, that leap of faith still guides his leadership. Since joining Disney Culinary, he’s worked at many Walt Disney World locations, helped launch new dining spots, and climbed the culinary leadership ladder. Now, his passion goes beyond just crafting amazing menus; he loves developing the Cast Members who bring those experiences to life every day.
“Building a menu? That’s the easy bit,” he admits. “The real challenge is making sure the Cast Members believe in their work and understand its purpose. The most memorable dining experiences come from teams who feel connected and empowered to share their unique talents.”
Chef Jerry grew up in Mexico, where food was never just about eating. It was about celebration, learning, connection, and caring for others. Family recipes were like stories passed down through generations, and meals brought loved ones together around the table.
But his biggest inspiration? His mother. She taught him to cook and ignited his early passion for food. She also showed him that food means more than what’s on the plate; it’s about family, culture, honoring those who shaped you, and forging connections.
These values still guide Chef Jerry’s leadership and culinary creativity today. He always involves his team in developing new ideas, encouraging them to share techniques, traditions, and insights from their own backgrounds.
“I want my team fully involved,” Chef Jerry explains. “What are your thoughts? What does this need? That’s how we all grow together.”
From his mother’s kitchen lessons to the Cast Members he mentors today, Chef Jerry understands that his journey was never a solo act. With every dish, every conversation, and every guest experience, he proves that a dream, no matter how far it travels, truly flourishes when you share it with others.
