Justin Pfeilsticker

Executive Sous Chef at ZuZu

Justin Pfeilsticker grew up with a grandfather who loved to cook, and would often help him in the kitchen; this is where his desire to become a chef was born. He got his culinary education at Baltimore International Culinary College, with a degree in Restaurant Management and Cooking Skills. He then began his career across the Atlantic, at Chez Pauline in Paris, in 1989. By the time he left the restaurant, he had worked his way up to chef de partie and learned extensively about French cuisine and cooking styles.

After this stint overseas, Pfeilsticker returned to the states to work as a catering chef for Vincent’s on Camelback. He then became sous chef at L’Orangerie at the Biltmore Resort, and later executive chef at Top of the Rock at The Buttes resort.

In 1996, Justin opened Café 181 (his own restaurant) in Downtown Chandler, serving classic American food. A few years later, Justin moved the restaurant a few blocks and renamed it Justin’s. Cooking classes and specialty dinners were offered along with the daily menu, until the restaurant closed in 2001.

Justin then worked as a consulting chef, offering his expertise by developing menus, planning kitchens, and training servers and cooks. In 2007, he became chef de cuisine at ZuZu, and now holds the position of executive sous chef.