Storied past. Tasty present.
The name Tarpy comes from Matt Tarpy, an Irish settler who in his day, was a well-liked vigilante living in present-day Watsonville. Tarpy sold a portion of his land to Sarah and Murdock Nicholson and not long after, a dispute ensued over property boundaries. Tarpy’s sense of summary justice got the better of him and he shot Sarah “accidentally” nine times! After being found guilty of killing Sarah, an angry mob decided it was Tarpy’s turn to pay. He was publicly hanged in an area now known as Tarpy Flats.The beautiful stone building that is home to our 3.5-acre restaurant was originally part of the Ryan Ranch family homestead. The structure dates back to 1917 when Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ryan bought 454 acres of rolling hills and meadows, then known as Saucito Ranch, and built their dream home. Through the years the building changed hands — Tarpy’s Roadhouse opened in 1992.
Meet the Team
Patrick Fisher
GENERAL MANAGER
Patrick has been part of the Coastal Roots Hospitality family since 2019. New to the Monterey Peninsula at the time, he found a home with the restaurant group. Patrick started his restaurant career at the young age of 13, and has experience in the kitchen, all areas of service, behind the bar, and of course management. His passion in the industry has always centered around providing the best experience for his guests, and from creating a welcoming, team atmosphere for his employees to grow their knowledge and elevate their own expectations of themselves.
Allison Peach
MANAGER
Having grown up in the Monterey County, Allison Peach found her love for good food, drinks, and everything hospitality. While deciding upon a career path, Allison found herself pursuing a future in nursing. But soon after she decided to follow her passions for the hospitality industry and alter her path to pursue a career in the restaurant business. “I fell in love with the restaurant biz and decided this was where I belong.” Allison joined the Tarpy’s family in 2018 as a server, working her way up to catering manager, and most recently receiving the title as restaurant manager. Outside of her role at Tarpy’s, she enjoys spending time with her family, horseback riding, and camping.
Ivan Guadarrama
EXECUTIVE CHEF
Ivan Guadarrama found his passion for the hospitality industry at an early age while helping with his family’s catering business. Working alongside his mother and sister, Ivan found working within a kitchen to be a very rewarding career path. In 2009, he decided to take his culinary skills to one of the most well-established restaurants in the Monterey Bay: Montrio. Shortly after he received the opportunity to expand his knowledge by joining the Tarpy’s team. “I am grateful to have had great mentors in the growth of my career at these restaurants who taught me that the love of cooking is loving oneself and loving what you do.” Ivan has proven his leadership skills within a kitchen and passion for the culinary arts as Executive Chef of Tarpy’s.
Andreas Diaz
SOUS CHEF
Chef Diaz has spent the majority of his career in the Tarpy’s kitchen. Beginning in 1993 he has dedicated his career to sourcing local ingredients and crafting exceptional food. His talents shine through on desserts, where his artistry is on full display in items like Chocolate Espresso Bread Pudding and our Old Fashioned Coconut Cake.