Amy Townsend
If you’ve eaten at The Stack in the last four years, there’s a pretty good chance Diego Maciel had something to do with your meal.
As one of the cooks, Diego handles everything from prep work to making sure orders head out of the kitchen just right. But beyond the food, it’s his contagious smile and welcoming personality that make him such a big part of The Stack experience. He doesn’t know a stranger and genuinely enjoys seeing customers leave happy.
When asked what his favorite thing is to cook, Diego’s answer was simple: everything. The same goes for prep work. If it’s part of the kitchen, he’s happy to do it.
While salmon, chicken fried steaks, and The Stack Club tend to get most of the spotlight at the Stack, Diego says the meatloaf is one of the hidden gems on the menu and recommends you give it a try.
His favorite part about working at The Stack isn’t necessarily the food, though. It’s the people he works with. He enjoys working alongside the crew every day and appreciates the atmosphere they’ve built together. Jokingly, he says it’s even better when Blu isn’t there.
Like most cooks, Diego has learned that what happens behind the kitchen doors isn’t always what customers expect. One thing he says would surprise most people is just how much hand washing and glove changing goes on throughout a shift. Something as simple as touching your face means it’s time for a fresh pair of gloves or another trip to the sink.
When he’s not cooking at The Stack, chances are he’s still cooking somewhere. What started as simply needing a job turned into something he genuinely enjoys. In fact, he spends plenty of time cooking at home too. He also knows his way around sushi and says it’s one of the best things he knows how to make. While he won’t eat raw sushi himself, he’s happy to eat it when it’s cooked.
And if you’re looking for Diego’s recommendation? Order the Chicken Sandwich and pair it with a Jalapeño Margarita.
One thing is certain: whether he’s prepping ingredients, working through a busy rush, or making sure every plate leaves the kitchen looking its best, Diego helps keep The Stack running one meal at a time.
Quick-fire round with Diego:
• What’s the most challenging item to make during a rush?
Blackened Salmon. It takes the longest to cook.
• Which coworker would most likely steal a fry off your plate?
Blu or Erica K.
• Tea or Pop?
Pop.
• Favorite pizza topping?
Bacon.
• What do you do after your shift?
Just go home.
• One food item you won’t eat?
Raw fish or Raw sushi.
• What makes you happiest at work?
Getting a good review from a customer.
• Who would you trade jobs with for a day?
Blu.
• Craziest order you’ve seen come through the kitchen?
Six wings with four different sauces. It gets confusing in a hurry.
