Chef Marcus Beato

Executive Chef

Urban Wren executive chef Marcus Beato knew from an early age that the culinary arts had his heart. After perpetual research, refining his self-taught culinary techniques, and prolonged travels throughout Southeast Asia, the New Jersey native made his way back to his roots and began his professional journey. His first foot in the door was when he accepted an entry-level position at contemporary Asian restaurant, SakaMai. With his relentless passion and fiery, go-getter persona, he quickly advanced, achieving his first two major culinary milestones as sous chef at WÜRSTBAR, followed by training under the acclaimed team at Momofuku Ssäm Bar. 

Eventually, Beato made his way down south where he helmed the kitchen at The Bellwether, Urban Wren’s little sister concept. Today, he states the “pinnacle of [my] culinary victories thus far was being named executive chef at Urban Wren.” Beato’s culinary prowess is marked by his unmatched consistency and relentless determination in the kitchen. Gastronomic excellence is Beato’s ‘escape from reality,’ which made the matrimonial union with Urban Wren perfectly kismet. 

Serving in various roles within the culinary world leads to Beato’s high expectations for top-notch consistency, and fosters an ambitious, lead-by-example mindset within his team. While Beato is a natural leader, he avoids the traditional ‘hierarchy’ approach found in kitchens across the world. He believes in a collaborative workspace and encourages his team to come to him with their ideas – no matter how abstract – which is chief in paving the way for a new era at Urban Wren. 

When he’s not in the kitchen or visiting guests’ tables throughout dinner service, Beato can be found spending time with his beloved girlfriend Victoria. Many moons ago, the duo met in a kitchen and have been inseparable ever since. The pair spends their free time visiting wineries, cooking together at home, and decompressing with a night in playing board games.