For nearly two decades Chef Joe Rego has worked tirelessly to sharpen his skills at some of the finest restaurants in the country. A native of Portugal and a graduate of the prestigious Johnson and Wales University, Chef Rego began his illustrious career as a saucier in the acclaimed French restaurant The Union League Cafe of New Haven, Connecticut. After two years of professional growth at The Union League Cafe, Chef Joe Rego journeyed to Atlanta to widen his culinary palette.

Working alongside Chef Jay Swift at the trendy South City Kitchen, Chef Rego became acquainted with flavors of an authentic Southern cuisine. The result of his dedication and ingenuity led him to become the Chef de Cuisine of Sotto Sotto and Fritti, prominent restaurants located in the nostalgic Inman Park neighborhood of Atlanta. Managing both establishments for nearly 3 years, Chef Joe Rego made the decision to return to the familiarity of his hometown, Boston Massachusetts, to further his career at the innovative Not Your Average Joe's restaurant. During this time he was instrumental in opening three different locations with Not Your Average Joe's, as well as being voted Chef of the Year for 3 consecutive years between 10 different locations.

In 2006 Chef Joe Rego returned to Atlanta and opened his own restaurant Allegro, quickly receiving rave reviews. Allegro, awarded 3 stars from the Atlanta Journal Constitution, was voted one of the best new restaurants by Atlanta Magazine in 2006.

In 2008, Chef Jose Rego joined the celebrated U Restaurant Group owned by Riccardo Ullio to share his extensive culinary expertise. While delighting guests at Taqueria La Lupe & Escorpian Cantina, Chef Rego discovered a sincere affection for the Mexican culture, as well as a passion for authentic Mexican fare.

Today Chef Joe Rego is serving up his own fresh culinary creations as the Executive Chef at Atlanta Event Center at Opera. "My passion for culinary art is the driving force to all my tasty creations and I am thrilled to be the new Executive Chef at Atlanta Event Center at Opera"