Jean Delva

Tiki Tiki Executive Chef

With over 20 years of culinary experience, Executive Chef Jean brings a dynamic blend of creativity, precision, and leadership to Tiki Tiki.

His journey began with a summer job at a friend’s restaurant—an early start that led to a 15-year tenure at The Cheesecake Factory, where he rose through the ranks thanks to his commitment to flawless execution and consistency, key pillars of success in high-volume national brands. Jean later joined the Darden family, serving as Executive Chef at Yard House, followed by a leadership role at Twin Peaks. In both positions, he took on high-stakes assignments—reviving underperforming kitchens, managing multiple locations, and navigating long commutes—all while maintaining excellence in food quality and team performance.

A master of recipe development, quality control, cost analysis, and operational efficiency, Chef Jean is as passionate about innovation in the kitchen as he is about the people he works with. Beyond his technical expertise, he is a true team leader who excels in mentorship, conflict resolution, and building strong morale in the kitchen. He’s also a dedicated advocate for culinary education, known for his hands-on, personalized approach to training—tailoring his methods to each individual and recognizing the unique strengths of every emerging chef. Chef Jean’s commitment to service extends beyond the culinary world.

He is also a certified paramedic and firefighter, reflecting his deep sense of discipline, care, and community service. Outside of work, he’s a proud father of twins, Jaleil and Janae, and enjoys spending his free time on the basketball court.