Eric Rivera

Eric Rivera
EXECUTIVE CHEF

Chef Eric utilizes simple dishes that focus on twists of distinctive ingredients and flavors that showcase seasonality and quality. Raised in Colorado, Eric's culinary journey began in his grandmothers' kitchens at a young age. He kicked off his career as the sous chef at the historic Marlowe's Restaurant in Denver. By the age of 23, Eric took the helm as the executive chef at Lala's Wine Bar and Pizzeria, immersing himself in the local food community and championing the use of local ingredients, earning his eatery Top Ten Best New Restaurant awards.  Moving to Birmingham, Eric assumed the role of executive sous chef at Todd English P.U.B., eventually overseeing all hotel food operations. He then played a pivotal role in the reopening of the Historic Redmont Hotel in downtown Birmingham, managing a café featuring fresh breads and locally roasted coffee, along with a fine dining Italian-inspired restaurant that highlighted local ingredients.
 
Now as Executive Chef and Owner at Vintage Hospitality Group, he was recently named the Best Chef by the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association. Chef Eric has garnered national acclaim from PBS NewsHour, USA Today, New York Times, Forbes, and Newsweek Magazines. Under his leadership, Vintage Year received recognition from the James Beard Foundation as a Smart Catch Leader for sustainable seafood sourcing and won the grand prize in the Blended Burger Contest. Vintage Year has also earned distinctions such as being one of OpenTable's 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America, a Traveler's Choice winner by TripAdvisor, and Montgomery Advertiser's Best of the Best Romantic Restaurant. Chef Eric, an alumnus of the James Beard Chefs Boot Camp, actively contributes to culinary and arts exchange programs with Montgomery's sister city, Pietrasanta, Italy. Committed to community service, he donates to numerous non-profits and serves as a judge for Pro Start, a high school program involving students in the hospitality industry.
 
In his leisure time, Eric enjoys working on his home, participating in mud races, and cherishing moments with his wife Alyssa, son Carter, and daughters Lorelai and Emma.
Share by: