Our Leadership Team
Jose Fuentes, Director of Operations
Jose Fuentes was born in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and grew up just outside Boston, MA. His father owned several restaurants starting his passion for hospitality at an early age. He received a business degree from the University of Massachusetts and began his career in New York City. Jose has opened restaurants all over the country including Los Angeles, Atlanta and Boston just to name a few. He has worked for restaurant companies including Rosa Mexicano, BRGuest, Legal Seafoods and proudly opened CBS Scene with the Kraft’s of the New England Patriots.
Recently married, his wife’s career brought them to Kauai and they fell in love with the island, knowing pretty quickly this is their new permanent home. On his days off Jose enjoys body surfing, riding motorcycles and just enjoying all that the Garden Island has to offer.
Ken Schloss, Director of Culinary and Corporate Chef
Originally from the San Francisco Bay area, Chef Ken brings nearly thirty-five years of experience to Lava Lava Beach Club. Born and raised in wine country, Chef Ken worked in Napa Valley for most of his career. He also took five years and explored the cuisine of the Caribbean, gathering new ideas of parallel tropical latitude as culinary inspirations.
Chef Ken works directly with the Chef de Cuisine and sous chefs to create our menu items as well as work with our vendors to ensure our family of restaurants get the best possible products from local farmers and fishermen.
Drew Watson, General Manager
Drew has been a part of the Lava Lava Beach Club team since late 2012. He brings over fifteen years of experience in the hospitality and service industry. Raised in Colorado he has been lucky enough to call Hawai’i home for the last eleven years. Starting as a floor manager, Drew proved himself to be an asset by shaping Lava Lava Beach Club into what it is today.
His talents were obvious, and he was selected as the opening Assistant General Manager of Lava Lava Beach Club on Kauai. Big Island always called to Drew and he returned in 2019. Shortly after he was promoted to General Manager of the restaurant where it all began.
His passion and zest for life inspires his staff and fellow managers to create the memorable guests experiences famous in Waikoloa. On the rare occasions you can’t find him in the restaurant you will find him embracing the magic of Hawaii. Most often Drew will be diving or hiking all while enjoying his family. There is also a chance you will find Drew tearing things up on his dirt bike: Helga.
Justin Cann, Executive Chef
Our Executive Chef Justin Cann is a proud ‘born and raised’ Big Island native from the town of Honoka’a. He is a graduate from the distinguished Kamehameha School’s Kapalama campus on O’ahu. Justin first learned about culinary careers as a student at Kamehameha, where he was exposed to their nutritious student food program. This eventually led to his spending over a decade at Merriman’s restaurants working closely under the wing of legendary Chefs Peter Merriman, David Abraham and Sandy Barr.
Chef Justin joined our culinary team a few years ago and we are thrilled to have him expand his role with us! He always strives to put smiles on his guest’s faces through the culinary delights he and his team prepare fresh daily. In his spare time, he is an avid waterman who loves to spend time with ohana and friends at the beach. We are confident that Justin’s talented, hand-picked culinary team will ensure our guests enjoy every bite of their ‘toes in the sand’ experience!
