Jose “Joey” Gomez

Executive Chef of Tony’s

Jose “Joey” Gomez has been a part of the Vallone restaurant family for more than 16 years, but his roots at Tony’s go back even further. Joey joined the kitchen team, following in the footsteps of his father, Chelino Gomez, who has dedicated nearly four decades to the restaurant as catering chef and kitchen manager.

Growing up in Tony’s kitchen, Joey developed his craft under the guidance of Mr. Vallone and alongside some of Houston’s most talented chefs. Surrounded by a loyal and long-tenured staff—many with more than 20 years of service themselves—Joey learned not only the technical demands of fine dining but also the values that define Tony’s: loyalty, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

“First in season, first at Tony’s,” a phrase often spoken by Mr. Vallone, continues to guide Joey’s approach in the kitchen today. He is dedicated to honoring the restaurant’s classic dishes while thoughtfully evolving the menu to meet modern tastes, always with the guest experience at the forefront.

Known for his ability to thrive under pressure, Joey leads the kitchen with the same drive and precision instilled in him from his earliest days on the line. His deep respect for the Vallone family, his colleagues, and the culinary legacy of Tony’s is evident in every dish he creates.