Jesse Mendica-Risk started her culinary journey at local Webster Groves joint Two Nice Guys. She quickly learned her love of being in the kitchen and enrolled in culinary school. While in school, Jesse started her 15 year journey at Annie Gunn’s, and shortly after realized it wasn’t a degree that was going to get her the experience she wanted. Jesse dove in head first, making her way to Executive Sous Chef with Annie’s. When Mark Hinkle, former manager at Annie Gunn’s, teamed up with Greg Ortyl to bring their dream restaurant to life, they knew who they wanted running their kitchen. The creativity, passion, and joy that Mendica-Risk has for what she does can not only be seen on her face, but tasted in her food. Having many accolades behind her name, including two-time James Beard Semifinalist, it’s not the awards, but the people that she gets the opportunity to serve each night that is the driving force behind her love of what she does.

Chef Mike Risk is the creative force behind O+O Pizza, a vibrant pizzeria known for blending traditional Italian techniques with contemporary flavors. Drawing on years of experience in the culinary world, Chef Mike emphasizes high-quality ingredients and innovative cooking methods, setting O+O Pizza apart in the competitive pizza scene. His passion for dough, perfected through constant experimentation, forms the foundation for the restaurant’s pizza and definitely the pasta. Chef Mike’s commitment to community and sustainability is reflected in the restaurant’s focus on local sourcing and minimal waste. With a dedication to hospitality and craft, he has built O+O Pizza into a beloved destination for both casual diners and food enthusiasts.