So when we opened our doors on January 12, 2007 we thought we might have a few customers, a nice quiet wine bar, and perhaps be a respectable addition to Rancho Bernardo. We have far exceeded our wildest expectations and we can say nothing but Thank You! We continue to be the talk of the town and all the thanks we give to our guests, our supporters, and the TBR team.

Zak Higson - Proprietor

Zak is a wine specialist and a Certified Public Accountant practicing in the state of California. Zak brings numerous years of audit and financial expertise to The Barrel Room. He has lived in Rancho Bernardo since 1993 and graduated from Rancho Bernardo High School in 1996 and later obtained a bachelors degree from San Diego State in accounting in 2001. Zak is also a part owner of The Spot restaurant in La Jolla. You will frequently find him speaking with guests, planning charity events, and trying new wines for addition to the list. A good man is not without a better woman…Zak was recently married to the love of his life Pavlina on August 4, 2007 and they have never been happier.

Grant Tondro - Sommelier and Proprietor

Grant is a wine industry expert and comes from a restaurant family. He has lived in Rancho Bernardo since 1993 and graduated from Rancho Bernardo High School in 1996 and later obtained a bachelors degree from San Diego State in business and recently an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Not only does Grant manage a branch of the national bank Washington Mutual, but he also spends countless hours researching and seeking new wines to keep our wine list fresh and exciting. Grant has been happily married to his wife Beth for over two years. They have two cats and a new addition to the Tondro family “Baron” the Dutch of Rancho Bernardo (their dog).

Nathan Higson - General Manager and Proprietor

Nate brings over ten years of restaurant experience and manages the day to day operations at The Barrel Room. Nate graduated from Rancho Bernardo High School in 1999. Nate married the woman of his dreams Courtney on October 20, 2007. Nate’s son, Tyler, recently had his first birthday on October 10, 2007. Tyler is the official “baby of TBR.” You are guaranteed to receive smiles from the little man.

O’Neill Gelle - Manager

O’Neill brings over eight years of management experience from both the restaurant and telecommunications industries. He handles the daytime operations, including vendor relations, human resources, and the accounting for The Barrel Room. O’Neill recently spent a weekend in wine country and has brought back all kinds of stories from wine country. O’Neill is currently working toward a degree in accounting and business. O’Neill is an avid fan of softball, the San Diego Padres and Chargers.

Marc Liautard - Executive Chef

Marc was born and raised in France (Clermont Ferrand) in Auvergne state where he graduated from three years of culinary school at L’Ecole Hotelliere de la Chaise Dieu under Chef Alexis Cartal in 1989. Marc also served in the French military under Major Executive Chef Ouvry. Marc brings over 18 years of experience to The Barrel Room and specializes in various types of cuisines including Mediterranean, Tropical, European and fine dining.