California Cafe's Darrell Bennett is Los Gatos Business Person of the Year

Los Gatos General Manager Darrell Bennett has been selected by the as the 2011 Business Person of the Year.

Bennett, 32, will be recognized along with two other professionals Wednesday evening during the chamber's annual dinner and awards presentation at 5:30 p.m. at

Bennett, of Mountain View, has spent the last 16 years in the hospitality industry. He began working in restaurants at a small tourist spot in Moss Beach called the Moss Beach Distillery. 

He then went on to work in all capacities at restaurants, including tossing pizzas in Davis.

He has spent the last seven years with California Cafe, starting with parent company Tavistock Restaurants as a manager at California Cafe in Palo Alto and as a manager for the past four years at California Cafe in Los Gatos. He has since managed in six different locations for the company, including two when they opened.

"To excel in this industry, you must have a servant’s heart," he said of his secret to success in the hospitality business. "Other people's smiles and happiness should drive you to always do better."

Bennett earned a bachelor's degree in managerial economics from UC Davis, and he's been recently promoted to regional manager of all Tavistock restaurants in California.

"I’m honored to have been selected as the Business Person of the Year and to be recognized by the community," he said. "I believe in striving to be better in business and in life. The community’s support is what makes our business thrive and we know that it works both ways.

"I am fortunate to have an extraordinary staff which makes my job easier. We all work to make our restaurant a success. I love what I do and I love Los Gatos."

Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ronee Nassi said Bennett and Darrell Monda, who was selected as Most Valuable Professional of the Year, were nominated by local entrepreneurs, who were approved by the organization's board of directors. A call for nominations was included on the chamber's website and newsletter.

This year, the chamber will also present an Ambassador of the Year Award to Jeana Moore, with the Huber Business Group.

Editor's Note: Check back Wednesday to learn why Darrell Monda and Jeana Moore were selected as Los Gatos Most Valuable Professional of the Year and Ambassador of the Year, respectively, by the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce.