Colton Hays brings more than 25 years of culinary experience to his role as chef de cuisine at EPIC Steak, working alongside Executive Chef Parke Ulrich. With a wealth of culinary knowledge and experience, Hays will focus on fresh ingredients and combining clean and complementing flavors to the offerings at EPIC.
A native of Hawaii, Hays spent his formative years exposed to a variety of spices, foods, and flavors, which forever altered his palate. His family’s affinity for natural farming created a natural curiosity towards sourcing fresh ingredients. These early years served as the foundation for his culinary journey.
Craving a change of pace from island life, Hays moved to San Francisco in 2001 and immersed himself in the local restaurant scene. He spent the next few years training at Aperto Restaurant in Potrero Hill, learning new culinary techniques. After his time there, he staged at Spruce on Sacramento Street before working as a line cook and later as chef de partie. In 2010, Hays assisted in the opening of Cafe des Amis in San Francisco’s Cow Hollow district. As a sous chef at the French inspired restaurant, he learned to push the limit in creating new dishes.
Hays then went on to be the senior sous chef at Michael Chiarello’s Coqueta on the Embarcadero, focusing on Spanish cuisine. This experience proved transformational as he was afforded the opportunity to travel to Spain to research the cuisine, and he also learned the business of running a restaurant.
In 2021, he was hired by Tyler Florence to be part of the opening team for Miller & Lux, a new American steakhouse in San Francisco. Serving as executive chef, he set up the dry-aged program for the acclaimed restaurant at Chase Arena.
Hays currently lives in San Francisco and enjoys exploring his surroundings in his free time and creating delicious meals for his family. He is excited to join the remarkable team of EPIC Steak and is looking forward to creating dishes that are simple yet memorable.
About EPIC Steak
EPIC Steak is a contemporary waterfront steakhouse, featuring interpretations of traditional favorites and more by Chef Parke Ulrich and Chef de Cuisine Colton Hays. The menu goes beyond the traditional steakhouse experience, reflecting the diversity of the city of San Francisco with innovative cuisine that offers exciting preparations of steaks, meats, game, poultry, seafood, and lighter fare. Handmade cocktails, domestic and imported beers, and a well-selected wine list complement the menu. The restaurant features an intimate upstairs bar and lounge with panoramic views of the city, San Francisco Ferry Building, and bay featuring the full restaurant menu as well as its own separate bar menu.
Reservations for EPIC Steak can be made by calling (415) 369-9955. For more information, please visit www.epicsteak.com.
