Our Team
DESI VEGA
A native of the area, Desi grew up engrossed in made-from-scratch, made-with- love cooking. Starting at home then eventually in with his mother’s family owned restaurant, Desi knew early that he was destined for culinary greatness. He was inspired by mother’s passion for cooking - a passion you can taste in his restaurants today.
CHRIS SIEGRIST
Born and raised in New Orleans, for Chris, realizing the memorable experiences he could create with food, drinks and true New Orleans hospitality, a career in food and beverage would be his only path.
Growing up in the family restaurant is where Chris learned valuable business lessons from his dad. The most important lesson being, to treat everyone the way you wish to be treated.
After leaving the family business, Chris' industry experience included catering and working behind the bar. In 2007, he had a dining experience that would change the course of his career, he dined at Mr. John's Steakhouse. This is where he met Desi and quickly fell in love with that true New Orleans hospitality.
Chris began to frequent Mr. John's as often as possible on his rare nights off from behind the bar. So, in 2012, Desi tapped Chris to be his beverage manager at his soon to open, Desi Vega's Steakhouse. Four months in, Chris became the Assistant General Manager and in April 2014, Chris assumed the role he holds today, General Manager of this all USDA Prime Steakhouse.
A love for all things New Orleans, operating a restaurant in one of the greatest food cities in the world, makes being a part of Desi Vega's Steakhouse on St. Charles Ave., something to look forward to everyday.
Chris strives to preserve the reputation of this New Orleans restaurant and all of the Desi Vega restaurants!
CHef muggsy beals
New Orleans native and culinary driving force behind Desi Vega’s Steakhouse, Merlin “Muggsy” Beals, Jr., began his restaurant career when he was just 18 years old, working for Vega’s parents. While he started waiting tables, he quickly realized his passion was for food; not only serving it, but skillfully preparing it. With no formal culinary training, Muggsy spent the next several years studying the art of food and honing his skills in the kitchen. Eventually moving to Nevada to open Ruth’s Chris Las Vegas, the top- grossing location within the company, Muggsy assumed the position of Executive Chef, and quickly made a name for himself, earning the accolade of Top 100 Chefs in Las Vegas. Years later, after working with Chefs Emeril Lagasse, Tenney Flynn, and John Folse, Muggsy made his way back home to New Orleans to team up once again with life-long friend Desi Vega.
When Muggsy isn’t in the kitchen, he can be found enjoying the ever-growing local restaurant scene and celebrating the renewal of his beloved city.