Pam Schwartz is the General Manager and Co-Founder of Ranch 45. Devoted to cooking and excellent wine, she has a broad and diverse background in the culinary industry, with more than 20 years of experience in kitchens and front of house in restaurants across the U.S. In November of 2018, she opened Ranch 45 located in Solana Beach. Ranch 45 offers breakfast and lunch every day, with a newly expanded dinner service featuring award-winning chef Aron Schwartz.

Born and raised in northern Florida near the Georgia border, Pam displays a genuine sense of southern hospitality, truly making guests feel right at home. Growing up, family get-togethers always called for homemade pastries, which is what inspired her at the age of 13 to become a chef. Pam earned a BPS degree in culinary arts and management from the Culinary Institute of America and executed a dinner at the prestigious James Beard House. Since then, she has contributed to the success of some of the top restaurants and hospitality corporations across the U.S., including Nobu Restaurant inside The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Sage Restaurant Group, Marriott Hotels, Sur La Table and Pamplemousse Grille. In 2002, Pam transitioned out of the kitchen and into the managerial side of the culinary industry simultaneously earning sommelier certification, which led to her post as an instructor at San Diego State University’s wine management program.

With Ranch 45, Pam achieved her goal of opening a restaurant with a commitment to sourcing local products with a standard of excellence and quality ingredients. Pam has cultivated an environment of inclusivity, growth and education at Ranch 45 – and beyond in the hospitality community- through mentorship and accessibility for those who express the desire to learn and excel in the industry.