Shutters on the Beach is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Archuleta as Executive Chef of 1 Pico, the iconic Southern California restaurant located at the acclaimed Santa Monica hotel. Bringing over a decade of culinary expertise honed at Michelin-starred restaurants to his new role, Archuleta will lead culinary operations at 1 Pico with a focus on coastal California cuisine and fresh-market fare.  

“We are excited to welcome Chef Richard Archuleta to our Shutters on the Beach family,” said Charlie Lopez-Quintana, general manager, Shutters on the Beach. “Richard’s culinary passion, creativity and extensive background will be an incredible asset to 1 Pico. He will serve as an inspirational driving force behind our culinary program, enhancing the Shutters on the Beach guest experience.” 

With a diverse background in Italian and French cuisine, Archuleta has helmed top restaurants across Southern California and Las Vegas. Most recently, he was the Executive Chef at Openaire restaurant, located at The LINE Hotel in Los Angeles. There Archuleta severed alongside Michelin-starred chef-partner Josiah Citrin, conceptualizing new menus with a focus on modern New American cuisine. 

A Southern California native, Archuleta’s culinary passion began at a young age when started working at a local bakery in high school where he discovered his love for cooking. After earning a culinary degree, he went on to elevate his skills at Michelin-starred restaurants in Southern California including Spago in Beverly Hills, The Water Grill in Los Angeles and Trattoria Tre Venezie in Pasadena. An established chef in the hospitality industry, Archeulta previously served as the Chef de Cuisine at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills cooking with Jean-Georges. Before that, he served as the Senior Sous Chef at the 3-Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and as the Executive Sous Chef at the Jean-Georges Steakhouse at the Aria Resort, also in Las Vegas. 

Under Archuleta’s leadership, hotel guests and locals can look forward to a redefined culinary experience at 1 Pico. Drawing inspiration from the award-winning Santa Monica Farmers Market, Archuleta will take a hyper-seasonal approach to the menu focusing on light, fresh and coastal cuisine. With a quality first attitude, Archuleta will source 1 Pico’s ingredients from local farmers and purveyors including Weiser Family Farms, Pudwill Farms, JJs Lone Daughters and Lee Farms. 

“As a Southern California native, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase the unbelievable products that are grown along the California coastline,” said Archuleta. “With the Santa Monica Farmers Market taking place in 1 Pico’s backyard, I look forward to showcasing local farmers and purveyors on the menu and creating something hotel guests and locals look forward to coming back to time and time again.” 

Archuleta earned his Associate Degree from the California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena. Archuleta is also a certified Level One Sommelier. When he’s not at work, Archuleta enjoys barbequing and spending time with his two children at home.