Team photo

About the Team 

Javier Candon | Proprietor

Javier oversees front and back of the house operations at Joselito Casa de Comidas. He has more than 20 years of experience with both casual and fine dining establishments.

His previous experience includes international work with leading hotels and world-renowned restaurants throughout Europe and the Caribbean, including the Hotel Melia Sevilla, Taberna del Alabardero, and Casa del Duque Vinoteca and Restaurant in Spain; Hotel Relais & Chateau Mas D’Artiny in France; and the Hotel RIU Melao and RIU Palace Macao in the Dominican Republic.

Javier graduated with honors from Europe’s prestigious Escuela Superior de Hosteleria de Sevilla. A native of Spain, he is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, French, and English. When not at Joselito, Javier is at his other restaurant, SER, in Arlington, VA. In his spare time, he fervently watches Real Madrid games, cooks with his two children, and enjoys beautiful meals with his wife Christiana.

David Sierra | Executive Chef

David was born in Madrid and at an early age discovered his passion for the kitchen while cooking with his mother. He studied culinary arts and spent ten years working in Spain alongside renowned chefs and restaurants before making the journey to the United States in 2009.

During his time stateside, David has put his culinary skills to work at several of DC’s most prestigious restaurants, including the classic Spanish restaurant, Taberna del Alabardero, the critically acclaimed Fiola Mare, and most recently, SER Restaurant in Arlington, VA. 

At Joselito, David’s creative and imaginative personality comes to life. By recalling the feelings and flavors he experiences in Spain, he applies a unique, modern twist on some of the most traditional and beloved Spanish recipes. He is passionate about serving guests only the best and freshest ingredients that truly showcase the delectable flavors of Spanish cuisine. David believes that the food he prepares is a way of providing guests with a special look into his heritage and the culture that treasures sharing wonderful meals with family and friends.

When David isn’t working, he loves exploring new restaurants, visiting the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, and discovering quiet, serene spots where he can escape from the noise and rigors of city life. He is also is a big fan of rock classics like Queen and Led Zeppelin. Like a true Spaniard, David believes that anytime is a good time to savor a nice glass of red wine with family and friends.

Gustavo Iniesta | General Manager 

Gustavo Iniesta was born in La Mancha Region of Spain and grew up in a household that was passionate about food and wine. He became a sommelier in 2003 when he graduated from the Chamber of Commerce in Madrid. 

Gustavo has an extensive background in fine dining and hospitality. While in Spain, he worked with the prestigious Grupo Lezama from Taberna del Alabardero in Madrid, as well as with the Michelin star Restaurant Sant Pau in Barcelona under the tutelage of renown Chef Carme Ruscalleda. He also held the position of Wine Director for a five star hotel in Barcelona. 

In 2007, Gustavo crossed the Atlantic to rejoin the Grupo Lezama in Washington, DC, as Taberna del Alabardero’s Wine Director/Sommelier. In that post, his wine list was awarded “Best Wine Program in the DMV” from the Restaurant Association of Washington area in 2011.

Throughout Gustavo’s career, he has had the honor to work with well known personalities in the wine industry including Carlos Falco, Robert Parker, Pierre Lurton, Mariano Garcia, among others, as well with notables from the political and social world in Madrid, Barcelona, and Washington, DC. When Gustavo is not wining and dining Joselito's guests, he enjoys wining and dining with his friends and family.