Cracked Pepper Bistro: Our Story
Chef Vatche Moukhtarian’s Culinary Journey
Of Armenian descent, Chef Vatche Moukhtarian of the Cracked Pepper Bistro in Fresno, California, discovered his passion for cooking at the early age of 12. He later enrolled at the San Francisco Culinary Academy, where he honed his skills before completing an externship at the Peppermill Casino in Reno. There, he gained valuable experience working under the guidance of Chef de Cuisine Roger Morris and eventually secured full-time employment.
After two years at the Peppermill, Chef Vatche was invited to assist in the opening of the Chuckchansi Gold Resort & Casino. He was soon promoted to Sous Chef at the resort’s flagship steakhouse, Vintage. Following that, he spent several years serving as Sous Chef at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. These opportunities allowed him to deepen his expertise in fine dining and kitchen leadership.
Establishing the Cracked Pepper Bistro
In 2006, ready to return to his hometown, Chef Vatche opened the Cracked Pepper Bistro in Fresno. His vision was to create a restaurant focused on regional cuisine made with natural, locally sourced ingredients. He also emphasized pairing his dishes with California-grown wines to complement the dining experience.
Today, the Cracked Pepper Bistro is a beloved Fresno establishment. Chef Vatche is widely recognized for his dedication to supporting local farmers and wineries. Notably, 60 percent of his wine list is sourced from the nearby Paso Robles appellation, reflecting his commitment to California’s rich culinary landscape.