how old friends works
To maintain the vibe and this level of execution, our menu structure is transparent:
Just Friends
(For mingling & grazing)
Passed or stationed bites.
Best for: standing receptions, showers, birthdays, open-house style events
Family & Friends
(a shared multi course meal) A family-style meal served for the entire table for guests to enjoy together. Best for: birthdays, rehearsal dinners, celebrations, hosting at homeMore Than Friends
(A plated multi course meal)
A seasonal preset tasting menu of either 5,7, or 9 courses. For those who want to get boujee & hear the story behind each course.
derek sawyer
executive chef & best friend
Derek was born and raised in Sacramento. His love for cooking came from his new mexican side of the family where his grandmother would always be in the kitchen. His aunties adopted this philosophy and carried on traditions of family recipes. Derek quickly learned that good food was what kept the family gathering and decided to make a career out of it for himself. He grew to find his passion in fine dining, heading up some of the best kitchens in Sacramento.
In his off time, you will probably find Derek running around sacramento or trying a new restaurant.
Yessenia ochoa-sawyer
director of hospitality & best friend
Yessenia is our Hospitality Director and a true restaurant lifer. She grew up in her father’s restaurant in Santa Rosa, where she learned the rhythm, hustle, and heart of hospitality long before earning her double bachelor’s degrees in Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts. After moving to Sacramento in 2015 to chase big dreams, she worked with some of the region’s most celebrated restaurant groups, naturally gravitating toward front-of-house leadership and private dining.
A nurturer at her core, Yessenia believes great service is equal parts precision and warmth. Off the floor, you’ll find her dancing to Bad Bunny, cuddling her dog, or unapologetically watching terrible TV.