Martin and Sara Stayer
Nobie’s, Nonno's, and The Toasted Coconut | Houston, TX
September 2025
Sara Stayer spent her childhood in Chicago cooking alongside her family. Her mother owned a bakery and by the time she got to college—and picked up a bartending gig in town—she knew she wanted to build a career in hospitality. Sara started working at the Four Seasons Hotel before moving to Francesca’s, eventually relocating to California to work as a corporate trainer for the restaurant group. After a brief stint at Naha back in Chicago, she got her wine certification from The Court of Master Sommeliers and started as a server at Gilt Bar. Working under Restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff over the next few years, Sara became the general manager of Gilt Bar and met her now-husband, Martin Stayer, before joining the opening team of Au Cheval.
Martin, a Texas native, moved to Chicago after high school. Eager to work in some of the country's best kitchens and learn about molecular gastronomy, he joined the team at Moto, where he cooked under late Rising Stars alum Homaro “Omar” Cantu for the next two and half years. After a brief stint at L2O, Martin went to work at Rising Stars alum Jason Hammel’s Lula Cafe, where he was inspired by the style of service and Hammel’s level-headed leadership. He left to help open Gilt Bar, where he met his wife, Sara, before reuniting with Hammel at Nightwood soon after.
In 2015, Martin and Sara moved to Houston. The following year, they opened Nobie’s, a former house-turned-restaurant with creative fare and a rock-and-roll atmosphere that garnered a loyal local following during its first few years. In October 2019, they decided to open their second concept, The Toasted Coconut, where they serve tropical bites and tiki-inspired cocktails. When the space next door became available, Martin and Sara jumped at the opportunity. They opened Nonno’s, an Italian-American pizza joint, in 2023 and added a speakeasy, Quiote, in 2025. Through their restaurants, Martin and Sara are leading the way, creating comfortable, charming environments for the Houston community while providing benefits, good pay, and growth opportunities for their employees.
