Spotlight: The Excellence of Jhoanna Coronel
Jhoanna Coronel speaking to SPS students dining at Archipelago
At Archipelago, our mission has always been about more than “where we sit in the world, or the season we’ve found ourselves in,” but by the landscape of its people. Today, we’re shining a bright light on a person who has become the backbone of our operation: our Executive Sous Chef, Jhoanna Coronel.
Since joining us at the end of 2021, Jhoanna has been driving the preparation for the excellence you experience at our counter. From checking in with guests long before they arrive to steering the team before service, her work can be felt through the entire process. To know Jhoanna is to understand the rare intersection of a highly organized, practical intelligence and a technical skill that is only matched by her deeply nurturing spirit
A Culinary North Star
Jhoanna possesses one of the most sophisticated palates. In a kitchen like ours, where we push the boundaries of Pacific Northwest ingredients through a Filipino lens, her taste is a trusted authority. She has the rare ability to find the perfect balance in a dish that others might miss, ensuring every bite is intentional.
Her leadership was instrumental during both of our James Beard Foundation final runs—Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific in 2023 and Outstanding Hospitality in 2025. In those high-pressure moments, Jhoanna wasn't just managing a kitchen; she was maintaining a culture. She is a "quiet fire"—leading by example with a work ethic that sets the standard for everyone around her.
The "Mama Bird" of Archipelago
Within our team, Jhoanna is affectionately known as the "protective older sister" or the "mama bird." She has a supernatural ability to read the energy of a room, stepping in to support a teammate before they even have to ask.
As a single mother, Jhoanna brings a level of perspective and resilience to the kitchen that is truly humbling. She balances the rigors of a high-end kitchen with the devotion of being the world's best mom, proving daily that professional excellence and personal heart are not mutually exclusive.
A Force for Community
Jhoanna’s impact extends far beyond our four walls. She has been at the forefront of our most vital community work:
Inspiring the Youth: Working services for our reoccurring Seattle Public School Filipinx U.S. History events, inspiring the next generation.
Advocacy through Food: Representing the restaurant at Field to Table on Lumen Field, showcasing the “Missing Pages From Your U.S. History Book” to raise money for the Filipino American Educators of Washington.
Art at Scale: Executing the logistics for our Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM) experience, cooking and serving our creative concepts into a large-scale interactive dining event that pushed the boundaries of representation.
Global Impact: Steering our team in the Philippines as we prepped for our Good Food Community dinner, working directly with local farmers to advocate for social justice and equity.
The Heart of our kitchen
If you’ve ever had a staff meal at Archipelago, you’ve tasted Jhoanna’s heart. She treats the "family meal" with the same reverence as a 10-course tasting menu because she believes that the people she works with deserve the very best.
Jhoanna Coronel is more than an Executive Sous Chef; she is a culture-builder, a precision technician, and a leader of the highest caliber. We are incredibly proud to have her as a driving force on our team, and we can’t wait to see how she continues to shape the culinary landscape.
Jhoanna Coronel planting rice at Kamayan Farm