In a statement titled “Hasta Pronto” shared Monday on social media, Zepeda said she made “the decision to step away” from Leu Leu to focus on other creative ventures, including upcoming filming projects, her company Chispa Hospitality, and an upcoming book release. She called Leu Leu “an incredible opportunity to share my vision and collaborate with an amazing team,” expressing pride in what was built during her brief tenure.
Shortly after posting her farewell announcement, Zepeda shared a tongue-in-cheek collage of the viral “Nicole Kidman after divorce” photos - the set of images often mischaracterized as showing the actress celebrating her split from Tom Cruise - hinting at a celebratory tone regarding her exit.
Leu Leu opened in February 2025 in a renovated 1930s bungalow on Highway 101, created in partnership with local restaurateur Jason Janececk (of Corner Pizza) and Britt Corrales. The concept blended Zepeda’s Mexican-American heritage with Mediterranean and North African influences, offering dishes such as duck confit tamales, masa ball soup, and sushi-inspired tartares. While initially well received for its style and atmosphere, the restaurant now faces another leadership change after Zepeda’s departure, which comes just eight months into operation.
This latest exit fits a pattern for the chef, who has helmed a series of short-term ventures in recent years. Zepeda previously led the acclaimed but short-lived El Jardín at Liberty Station before being removed from the project in 2019. She also served a stint as executive chef at Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas, which ended in 2023. While her television résumé includes appearances on Top Chef, Top Chef Mexico, and Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend (which she won), her restaurant projects have often proven fleeting.
Zepeda’s name also appears on promotional materials for Novecientos Grados, the new Tony Hawk-branded restaurant and bar inside San Diego International Airport’s redeveloped and newly opened Terminal 1. But while press releases and marketing describe the concept as a Tony Hawk and Claudette Zepeda collaboration, the project is actually being operated by Areas USA, a global airport-hospitality contractor that licenses celebrity names for branding purposes.
It’s unclear whether Zepeda had any direct role beyond early menu consultation or brand input at Novecientos Grados. Such arrangements are common in airport dining, where celebrity chefs are often listed for marketing visibility rather than day-to-day creative involvement.
Zepeda’s name also appears on promotional materials for Novecientos Grados, the new Tony Hawk-branded restaurant and bar inside San Diego International Airport’s redeveloped and newly opened Terminal 1. But while press releases and marketing describe the concept as a Tony Hawk and Claudette Zepeda collaboration, the project is actually being operated by Areas USA, a global airport-hospitality contractor that licenses celebrity names for branding purposes.
It’s unclear whether Zepeda had any direct role beyond early menu consultation or brand input at Novecientos Grados. Such arrangements are common in airport dining, where celebrity chefs are often listed for marketing visibility rather than day-to-day creative involvement.
When reached for comment, Leu Leu provided a poetic statement that read: “HASTA PRONTO, MAESTRA. From the sea breeze that first carried your flame into my walls, to the laughter and late nights that made my heart beat—thank you, Chef Claudette. You brought color, courage, and story to the soul of this place. Your spirit will always whisper through the spices, the songs, and the smoke of memory.”
In her farewell message, Zepeda wrote, “This isn’t goodbye, just a new and exciting beginning,” teasing new projects on the horizon but offering no specifics. Leu Leu remains open under its existing ownership, with the team expected to continue operations and eventually bring in new culinary leadership.
Leu Leu is located at 466 North Highway 101, Suite 1, in San Diego's North County city of Encinitas.
For more information, visit leuleuleucadia.com.
In her farewell message, Zepeda wrote, “This isn’t goodbye, just a new and exciting beginning,” teasing new projects on the horizon but offering no specifics. Leu Leu remains open under its existing ownership, with the team expected to continue operations and eventually bring in new culinary leadership.
Leu Leu is located at 466 North Highway 101, Suite 1, in San Diego's North County city of Encinitas.
For more information, visit leuleuleucadia.com.
Originally published on October 20, 2025.
