leslie garcia

events manager | PERILLA steakhouse

Born and raised in Chicago’s Back of the Yards, Leslie’s love for hospitality was shaped early on by strong mentorship and the energy of working with teams that truly care. Her first manager, Shagun “Shugknight” Segal, left a lasting impression—pushing her to learn, lead, and show up with confidence from a young age.

Leslie’s experience spans some of Chicago’s most beloved restaurants, including Ramen-San, Tzuco, and Formento’s, along with more informal roots at festival pop-ups like El Campeon and El Gallo Giro. She was introduced to PERILLA Steakhouse through past collaborations and stayed for the deep sense of camaraderie she felt from day one.

Her approach to hospitality centers on building teams that care for one another, believing that genuine connection behind the scenes creates unforgettable experiences for guests. Outside of work, Leslie loves eating, drinking, gaming now and then, and spending time with friends—bringing the same joy and openness to the dining room every day.