Jonathan Barragan

Jonathan Barragán is a Mexican-American chef and the Executive Chef of Ánimo, a modern Mexican restaurant in Midtown Manhattan. His culinary journey began from the ground up, starting as a teenager working at McDonald’s before steadily rising through the ranks of professional kitchens through hands-on experience, discipline, and an unwavering passion for food.

At 18, Jonathan entered his first professional kitchen in Times Square, marking the beginning of a career built on hard work and continuous learning. Over the years, he has honed his craft in a variety of high-volume and high-standard culinary environments, including Virgil’s Real BBQ, Rocco’s Tacos, British Airways First and Business Class catering, and Tacombi.

His expertise spans authentic Mexican cuisine, taquería-style cooking, and American barbecue, with a strong commitment to scratch-made preparations and bold, traditional flavors. Throughout his career, Jonathan has developed a reputation for combining technical execution with genuine hospitality and a deep respect for ingredients.

As a leader, he is passionate about mentoring culinary talent and building teams rooted in accountability, collaboration, and excellence. His mission is to honor his Mexican heritage by sharing authentic, soulful cuisine that brings people together and creates meaningful connections around the table.

Inspired by family traditions and the flavors of his upbringing, Jonathan’s cooking reflects the culture, warmth, and sense of community that continue to guide his work every day.