Born into a family with a deep appreciation for food — including a great-grandmother who taught cooking — José Mendín discovered his passion for the culinary arts while attending college on a volleyball scholarship, where preparing his own meals sparked a lifelong calling. Originally from Puerto Rico, Mendín moved to Miami in 1998 to attend Johnson & Wales University, graduating in 2001 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts.

That same year, he helped open Nobu Miami alongside Chef Mark Edwards, followed by the opening of Nobu London in 2002 with Chef Thomas Buckley. In 2003, Mendín traveled to Spain to refine his craft under renowned chefs Jesús Ramiro in Valladolid and Juan Pablo Felipe at the Michelin-starred El Chaflán in Madrid.

After returning to Miami, he joined Rising Star chef Jordi Vallès to launch Mosaico before taking on the role of Chef de Cuisine at Sushisamba Miami Beach in 2004. Within just two years, he rose to Assistant Corporate Chef for the brand and later led the opening of Sushisamba Vegas. Continuing a remarkable run of successful restaurant launches, Mendín opened Mercadito Chicago in 2009 and Mercadito Miami in 2010, where he met Chef Sergio Navarro.

In 2010, Mendín founded Pubbelly Global, establishing himself as one of the leading culinary entrepreneurs of his generation. His impact on the industry earned him the prestigious StarChefs Rising Star Restaurateur Award in 2016. Since then, alongside various partners, he has expanded his hospitality portfolio across Florida and internationally with acclaimed concepts such as La Placita Miami, Rivertail, and Moloko.

Driven by a lifelong passion for wine and hospitality, Mendín expanded his vision beyond restaurants in 2024 with the launch of Veranda Rosé
— a refined rosé produced in the South of France’s IGP Méditerranée region. Created as a personal passion project years in the making, Veranda reflects Mendín’s love for elevated yet approachable dining experiences, pairing culinary artistry with the lifestyle and culture that have defined his career.