AJ Groppetti

Chef/Owner

Andrew “AJ” Groppetti, Chef and Owner of The Corner Kitchen, was born and raised in Concord, California—just minutes from the restaurant he proudly runs today. His love for cooking started early, growing up perched on the counter in his mother’s kitchen, watching meals come together and learning how food can bring people together. Those early moments created a lasting passion for cooking, hospitality, and the simple joy of serving great food to others.

AJ’s culinary journey officially began at Diablo Valley College’s respected culinary program, where he gained his first professional experience through opportunities at the Pebble Beach Resort. After culinary school, he spent his early career cooking in restaurants throughout Walnut Creek, most notably at Vic Stewart’s Steakhouse. His path then expanded beyond traditional restaurants—working in start-up food companies developing recipes for chef-prepared meals, and later joining a vegan/vegetarian fast-casual brand where he helped innovate new menu items and open commissary kitchens in New York and Maryland. These diverse experiences shaped his understanding of food science, recipe development, and efficient kitchen operations.

The Corner Kitchen began as a dream shared between AJ and his brother Johnny. What started as a food truck concept—featuring sliders and fries—quickly evolved when they realized that opening a brick-and-mortar would allow them to build something lasting for their community. Opening during COVID on January 6, 2021, was a bold move, but AJ believed deeply in the vision. And despite the challenges, the support of their neighborhood and their commitment to quality helped the restaurant grow into a local favorite.

For AJ, The Corner Kitchen is more than a restaurant—the business represents years of hard work, training, sacrifice, and a lifelong dream realized. His mission is to build a true neighborhood cornerstone: a place with excellent customer experience, fresh handmade food, and a sense of community you can feel from the moment you walk through the door. The restaurant’s wide range of flavors and from-scratch preparation is a point of pride for him, and he believes these qualities set The Corner Kitchen apart from others in the area.

AJ’s leadership style is best described as laid-back but meticulous. He believes in doing things the right way—every time—and leads by example. His days often begin with shopping for fresh ingredients before heading into prep, cooking on the line, and staying hands-on from open to close. His background in culinary science gives him a technical edge, ensuring consistency and creativity in every dish. Supporting and motivating the team comes naturally to him; he shows his commitment daily by giving his all and expecting that same pride from the staff.

As a lifelong Concord resident, being part of a local, family-owned business is incredibly important to AJ. He believes communities need more small businesses that never grow too big to forget their purpose: serving customers with care. His favorite moments are seeing familiar faces return, watching new people discover The Corner Kitchen, and knowing he’s contributing to the city that shaped him.

Looking ahead, AJ is excited about the restaurant’s expansion and new direction. With the ownership team they’ve built, he believes the possibilities are endless—as long as they continue to work together and stay true to their mission. His long-term goal is simple but ambitious: make The Corner Kitchen one of the best restaurants in the area.

Outside the kitchen—on the rare occasions he steps away—AJ loves going wine tasting, exploring great food with his fiancée Melanie, and spending time with their dog, Harley and cat, Carley. He’s also a dedicated fan of the Giants, 49ers, and Warriors. His favorite menu item? The classic CK Slider with raw onion—the perfect balance of flavors and a reminder of why he loves what he does.

AJ Groppetti is more than a chef. He’s a creator, a leader, a hometown guy with big culinary dreams, and a driving force behind the continued growth and success of The Corner Kitchen.