Jackie Trejo
Carmel Valley Ranch
1 Old Ranch Road, Carmel
(831) 626-2599 www.carmelvalleyranch.com
When the managers at Carmel Valley Ranch look at their reservations list each night, Jackie Trejo’s name shows up as a requested server more frequently than the names of their regulars. According to her husband Gus, who works as the restaurant’s banquet chef, Trejo loves what she does and treats the profession as a way to build relationships, rather than as a job to do. “She always tries to take an extra step,” Gus says. “She treats people at home the same way. She tries to make you as comfortable as possible without getting too much in your space.” Dining Room Supervisor Rigo Garcia says Jackie has a high energy that’s contagious, pleasant and not overbearing. “She can explain and engage and answer questions. She knows wine exceptionally well,” he says, adding, “She’s always in a great mood.” Trejo offered her own assessment, but she was more modest than others, saying she stands behind the products she serves and enjoys her work, which she says may be noticed by her guests. “I think I have fun, so I think they have fun, too,” she says.