About Us
Bunker Bistro Vision
Our vision is to appeal to a diverse population of all ages, including families and children. Moreover, we aim to provide a welcoming and enjoyable space for all people, even those young people who are not of drinking age, enabling them to gather with friends. Additionally, we will establish close partnerships with the golf pro shop and other Lake Monticello Owners Association organizations to organize events and foster opportunities for collaboration. By teaming up with various clubs and engaging in LMOA activities, we believe we can further solidify our presence and cater to a wide range of interests within the community.
The management team of Bunker Bistro is composed of two partners, Sam Rochester and Jac Lynn Dunkle. Both Sam and Jacie are equal partners in business and are residents of the Lake Monticello community. They bring extensive experience in the restaurant industry to the table.
Sam Rochester grew up in the Philadelphia and New Jersey area and graduated from Paul Smith’s Culinary School in 1991. With over 33 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Sam has established himself as a seasoned professional. After moving to Virginia, he worked at Mas Tapas and Mono Loco restaurants to build his reputation in the culinary community. He then served as the Executive Chef at The Downtown Grill for 8 1/2 years before becoming the Chef and Food and Beverage Director at the UVA Darden School of Business. He opened his own restaurant called Sammy’s on the Corner, but was forced to close due to the pandemic. Sam then took on the role of General Manager for Redlight Management, overseeing properties such as Mas Tapas and Ten Sushi in Charlottesville. He recently joined the team at Lake Monticello as the Food and Beverage Director.
Jacie Dunkle has been a resident of Lake Monticello since 2004 and has been working at The Pub as the Assistant Food and Beverage Director since 2020. She has a proven track record of success in the restaurant industry, having successfully opened three restaurants in Charlottesville: Fellini’s #9, The Tin Whistle Irish Pub, and The Salad Maker. Prior to her move to Fluvanna, Jacie held the position of assistant manager at the Jack Daniel’s Old #7 Club in Nashville for five years. She also has 17 years of experience as the Director of the Vanderbilt Child Care Center and served as the Director for AmeriCorps, a national community service organization, providing health and wellness services to senior citizens in rural areas of Tennessee.
Bar and assistant manager, Jenifer Faris, grew up in Fluvanna. She started very young working at Two J’s Smokehouse as a cashier and went on to work at Burton’s Grille in Charlottesville and various other restaurants until she landed at The Pub and Bunker Bistro in 2022. Her management and leadership are true assets to guests and servers. We are lucky to have her on the management team.
Hiawatha “Patches” Green is the Sous Chef at Bunker Bistro. Patches has lived at Lake Monticello for 20 years. He is married to Rebecca Green and they have 4 children, all of whom attend Fluvanna County public schools.
Patches has been the lead cook at several Charlottesville restaurants and companies, including Federal Executive Institute, kitchen manager at St. Anne’s Private School as well as lead cook at Prospect Hill Inn in Louisa.
He has been at The Pub and Bunker Bistro for a year and a half. His desire is to bring his talents to his community and improve the dining options at the lake.
As Sous Chef, he is an asset and an important part of the Bunker Bistro team!
