Savage Chef Bar & Grill Selected as Menifee’s January Business Spotlight

The City of Menifee is thrilled to announce “Savage Chef Bar & Grill” as the City’s January Business Spotlight, a program that is a part of the Economic Development Department’s B3 (Building Better Businesses) program.

Savage Chef Bar & Grill, which opened in the Spring of 2022, is a family-owned establishment, under the direction of Chef Dylan Soro, his partner, mixologist, and wife, Nikki Soro, and Chef Mario Amaral. Chef Dylan is no stranger to the family-owned restaurant business industry. In addition to Savage Chef, he operates Soro’s Grill in Temecula alongside his family. The idea for Savage Chef Bar & Grill was conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic as a meal prep service and catering delivery service. As they brainstormed ways to keep the grill sizzling, Chef Dylan realized that his fresh concepts and innovative ideas exceeded what he originally planned.

Chef Dylan wasn’t going to embark on this epic journey alone. He needed a partner who could whip up new fresh culinary concepts with him. Enter Chef Mario Amaral, who had worked with Chef Dylan at Spago Las Vegas and was ready to take on a thrilling new opportunity. With their talents combined, the award-winning Chef duo was born and ready to take the Menifee culinary world by storm, opening Savage Chef Bar & Grill in the Spring of 2022.

Chef Dylan is a man on a mission, the name Savage comes from Chef Dylan’s undying determination to succeed through adversity and his ability to execute and provide an unmatched experience. His culinary superpowers include recipe-tweaking finesse, and the ability to create food experiences that leave taste buds humming. Through his journey in the culinary world, which began when he was just nine years old, he developed an undeniable love for food. His father introduced him to cooking by providing him with a sauté pan as he cooked alongside him. Dylan’s passion for culinary arts only grew stronger with time, culminating in his graduation from the Culinary Arts Institute of America.

Chef Mario Amaral, who grew up soaking up the sun in Southern California also discovered his passion for food and cooking at a young age. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years, he pursued his culinary dreams and attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada. Upon graduation, he worked at the Red Rock Resort and then at Olives inside the prestigious Bellagio Hotel, where he caught the attention of Chef Todd English. As a result, he was invited to assist in launching various restaurants across the United States. Chef Mario is thrilled to be back to his roots in Southern California.            

Savage Chef Bar and Grill is not just about serving up tasty food, they also have a heart for the community! They’ve rolled up their sleeves to support the Boys and Girls Club, Menifee Chamber of Commerce, Menifee Rotary Club, Lake Menifee Women’s Club, Taste of Menifee Showcase, and the Oak Grove Center, a nonprofit that gives hope and a helping hand to at-risk and special needs youth.

In 2021, Chef Dylan won the Judges Pinnacle Award, which is the highest accolade awarded at the Oak Grove Center So Cal Chef Open Competition, and The People’s Choice award which is selected by their attendees. In the event’s 14-year history, this was only the second time a Chef has received both awards. In 2022 and 2023, Chef Mario achieved another significant milestone by becoming the first-ever chef to win the Judges Pinnacle Award two years in a row. This prestigious event takes place annually, featuring the region’s top culinary experts who engage in a friendly competition supporting a great cause, showcasing their culinary prowess, and presenting their finest dishes.

“Savage Chef and Grill is a remarkable addition to Menifee’s growing culinary landscape,” said Councilmember Lesa Sobek. “Savage Chef’s commitment to giving back to the community and their exceptional service distinguishes them in our community as going above and beyond the call of business.” 

For more information about Savage Chef Bar and Grill please visit www.savagechef.com. To view their Business Spotlight video, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDbULm65ipw.

The City of Menifee Business Spotlight is part of the Economic Development Department’s B3 (Building Better Businesses) program, which aims to showcase local businesses that go above and beyond the call of business, foster pride in Menifee’s thriving business community, and promote diversity in Menifee’s local economy.

Chosen applicants, who are nominated by the community, are honored during a special presentation at a City Council Meeting and receive a free 30-second professional video developed by the Economic Development Department showcased on the city’s business website – www.menifeebusiness.com.

Nominations are encouraged to recognize businesses in Menifee that contribute to the betterment of the Menifee community. Please visit the link below to apply: www.cityofmenifee.us/BusinessSpotlight.

For more information on the Business Spotlight program, or other resources available to Menifee businesses, please contact the Economic Development Department at econdev@cityofmenifee.us.