James Nicholas is loving father to Leo and a proud fifth-generation San Franciscan committed to renewing and preserving this city’s enduring legacy. He is a long-time hospitality investor and co-founder of several highly acclaimed San Franciscan Restaurants – notably Marlowe, The Cavalier and Leo’s Oyster Bar. Chef Jonathan Waxman and he are the owners and proprietors of the renewed Park Tavern on Washington Square.

Nicholas’ professional journey is defined by a career in venture capital, where has played a pivotal role in funding and nurturing innovative startups. With the reopening of Park Tavern, he shares a vision of the restoration and revival of San Francisco in partnership with Waxman, his close friend of over twenty years. Together they are steadfast in their belief in the charm and legacy of this city. And they pursue an unwavering commitment to future generations of San Franciscans.

JAMES NICHOLAS

CHEF
JONATHAN WAXMAN

As a native Californian, Jonathan Waxman grew up in a family that celebrated the culinary arts. After receiving the Grand Diplôme from La Varenne Cooking School in Paris, he moved back to California to work at Domaine Chandon and then with Alice Waters at the legendary Chez Panisse. In 1979, he became the executive chef of Michael’s in Santa Monica, where he developed his version of California cuisine. He made his mark on New York in 1984 with the now iconic Jams.

Today, Waxman is the chef/owner of Barbuto in Manhattan’s West Village, Jams at 1 Hotel Central Park, and chef/partner at Park Tavern On Washington Square in San Francisco. He is the recipient of many accolades, highlighted by the 2016 James Beard Award for Best Chef: New York City. Waxman's numerous TV appearances include Top Chef Masters, Top Chef, Recipe for Deception, Tournament of Champions, and MasterChef. His charitable work includes Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Citymeals on Wheels, and many others. Waxman is the author of three cookbooks including: The Barbuto Cookbook, A Great American Cook and Italian, My Way. Waxman lives in Manhattan’s Upper West Side with his wife and three children.