About Us
Mäksē Restaurant in Downtown Vacaville opened on October 1, 2021. The building had been vacant for a few years, and required a significant investment to renovate and restore the property. Jason Diavatis and Speros Pavlatos set out to bring new life to Downtown Vacaville with a multi-facetted restaurant concept. Steakhouse, Dueling Pianos Club, and a much needed Ice Cream Shop to serve the downtown community.
Mäksē Restaurant offers a diverse menu, primarily Steaks, Pasta, and Seafood. With a few great vegetarian options as well. Our steaks are all Certified Angus Beef. Our Beef Wellington is one of our most popular dinner items, and is made from scratch in-house. Our Halibut is brought in whole and fresh, we break it down in-house. Mäksē Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant. Weather you are on a rare date-night, coming to celebrate with a large group of friends, or looking for a great meal any night of the week, our staff is here to serve and make you feel welcome!
An often asked question is "What does Mäksē mean? and How do you say it?" Mäksē is the phonetic spelling from the dictionary of MOXIE, as in "I like you kid, you've got moxie." (Said with a Chicago Gangster Style Accent). We knew there would be confusion, but we are happy to clear it up for you! Mäksē means 'Force of Character, Determination, or Nerve'. Perfectly encapsulating what it takes to open a restaurant.
Meet some of our team! Mäksē Restaurant is still a relatively new(ish) restaurant, so we have seasoned staff, and always have new staff in training. Here are a few of the players that have been around a little longer.
Jason Diavatis
GM / Managing Partner
In October 2021, Jason Diavatis brought his vision for a vibrant, community-centered dining experience to life with the opening of Mäksē Restaurant in downtown Vacaville. A lifelong advocate of hospitality, Jason began his career as an event designer and restaurateur, establishing his first restaurant, The Loft Wine Bar & Restaurant, in Benicia in 2012. Known for his dedication to memorable guest experiences and community involvement, he quickly garnered a reputation for excellence.
At Mäksē, Jason combines his passion for hospitality with hands-on leadership, ensuring the highest standards of service and quality. From the carefully curated menu to the welcoming ambiance, Mäksē is a true reflection of his commitment to making each guest feel at home. The restaurant includes a Main Street-level Steakhouse, a Dueling Pianos Club, and an Ice Cream Shop featuring Fentons Ice Cream on the Creek Level, creating a unique dining and entertainment venue for locals and visitors alike.
A proud first-generation Greek-American, Jason values community deeply. He serves on the Visit Vacaville Board of Directors, actively contributes to local initiatives, and proudly represents the 21st Airlift Squadron at Travis Air Force Base as an Honorary Commander. Together with his lifelong best friend, Speros Pavlatos, Jason transformed a long-vacant building into a thriving business, underscoring his dedication to revitalizing downtown Vacaville.
With an eye for detail and a heart for service, Jason strives to make Mäksē a destination known for quality, warmth, and a truly memorable experience. His commitment to hospitality and love for the Vacaville community shine through in everything he does at Mäksē.
Speros Pavlatos
Partner
Speros Pavlatos brings a wealth of experience from the tech industry, holding a degree in Business Management from the University of the Pacific (UOP). Although not involved in the daily operations of Mäksē Restaurant, Speros’s strategic insights and unwavering support are invaluable to the restaurant’s success. His commitment and partnership have been instrumental in bringing the vision of Mäksē to life, and his contributions ensure that Mäksē thrives as a central part of the downtown Vacaville community.
Anner Chavez
Kitchen Manager
Anner Chavez joined Mäksē Restaurant over two years ago, bringing passion, dedication, and a collaborative spirit to the heart of the kitchen. Born in El Salvador, Anner discovered his love for cooking early on, leading him to San Francisco in 2011 to pursue a culinary career. He gained invaluable experience working at esteemed locations like the Marriott Hotel and popular establishments such as Texas Roadhouse and Merchant and Main, where he honed his skills and developed a versatile approach to cooking.
As Kitchen Manager at Mäksē, Anner collaborates closely with Chef Eric Parada, blending traditional techniques with modern twists to create a unique dining experience for every guest. His commitment to using fresh, local ingredients and maintaining a high standard of excellence is reflected in each dish, from classic favorites to innovative seasonal specials. Anner’s influence is essential in ensuring that Mäksē’s kitchen operates smoothly and that every dish meets the restaurant’s commitment to quality.
Anner’s culinary journey is a testament to his growth and adaptability in a fast-paced industry. His hands-on approach, attention to detail, and passion for global flavors have made him an invaluable part of the Mäksē team, where he continues to inspire with his dedication to both tradition and innovation.
Francesca Mulas
Front of House Captain
Francesca Mulas joined Mäksē Restaurant in 2022, bringing her expertise and passion for hospitality from the renowned Napa Valley restaurant scene. Having worked at several top establishments in Napa, Francesca developed a deep understanding of fine dining and guest service, skills she now brings to her role as Front of House Captain at Mäksē. Her dedication to creating an exceptional guest experience is evident in every detail, ensuring each visit to Mäksē is memorable and welcoming.
As Front of House Captain, Francesca leads the front-of-house team with professionalism and warmth, setting the tone for the attentive, personalized service Mäksē is known for. Her commitment to excellence and her natural ability to connect with guests make her an invaluable part of the restaurant’s success.
Now proud to call Vacaville home, Francesca values the sense of community she has found at Mäksē and is dedicated to making every guest feel like part of the family. Her experience, passion, and dedication to hospitality shine through in every aspect of her role, creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for all.
Eric Parada
Chef
Chef Eric Parada joined Mäksē Restaurant in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and creativity to downtown Vacaville's culinary scene. Trained in French cuisine at the California Culinary Academy (CCA) in San Francisco, Eric refined his skills under acclaimed chefs Michael Mina (Aqua) and Hubert Keller (Fleur de Lys). With his rich background—born in El Salvador to a Sicilian father and Salvadorian mother—Eric adds a unique blend of flavors and expertise to Mäksē’s offerings.
Eric’s contributions have been instrumental in elevating and enhancing the Mäksē menu, infusing modern techniques and inventive twists to delight guests. Dishes like Chicken Cordon Bleu, Beef Wellington, and Seared Scallop showcase his dedication to quality, creativity, and guest satisfaction. Eric is committed to using fresh, local ingredients to create memorable dishes that honor both tradition and innovation.
With over 45 years in the San Francisco Bay Area, Eric’s career has been marked by dedication to culinary excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. His journey, including a key role at The Loft in Benicia, has led him to Mäksē, where he continues to push boundaries and provide an exceptional dining experience.
