Mark Stark is a cornerstone of the Sonoma County culinary landscape, known for a “Stark Reality” that is anything but ordinary. As a James Beard Outstanding Restaurateur semifinalist, Mark—alongside his wife and partner, Terri—has built an empire of eight acclaimed dining destinations, led by the legendary Willi’s Wine Bar.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, Mark refined his craft in the competitive kitchens of Washington D.C. and Seattle before settling in Northern California. In 2002, he revolutionized local dining with the opening of the original Willi’s Wine Bar, introducing a globally inspired, small-plates format that perfectly captured the spirit of wine country.
Mark’s culinary signature is a bold, “world-on-a-plate” approach. His menus seamlessly blend French, Mediterranean, Asian, and Spanish influences, earned through decades of professional exploration. This versatility is showcased across his diverse portfolio, from the Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Bravas Bar de Tapas and Monti’s to his newest venture, the classic French bistro Augie’s French, which opened in 2023.
Beyond the kitchen, Mark is a symbol of community resilience. After the original Willi’s Wine Bar was lost in the 2017 Tubbs Fire, his commitment to the region saw the flagship rise again in 2019. Whether appearing on PBS’s Traveling Feast or KQED’s Check, Please!, Mark remains a passionate advocate for chef-driven hospitality and the vibrant flavors of the North Coast.