Founder | Curt Gulbro
Curt Gulbro was a founder of FoxFire Restaurant & Steakhouse and a guiding force behind the values that continue to define it today. His influence was never about the spotlight, but about showing up, working hard, and treating people the right way. Those principles became the foundation upon which FoxFire was built.
Curt believed in relationships before transactions. He understood that a great restaurant is not just about food, but about trust, consistency, and the feeling people carry with them long after they leave the table. His presence helped shape FoxFire into a place where guests felt welcomed, staff felt supported, and family always came first.
On Friday and Saturday nights, Curt's spirit often filled the room in a more literal way. Guests still remember him stepping up to the microphone to sing Johnny Cash alongside the live bands, turning busy nights into shared moments of joy and familiarity. Those spontaneous performances became part of FoxFire's rhythm, a reminder that hospitality is as much about connection as it is about service.
For years, Curt worked alongside his sons, sharing not only the responsibilities of the business, but the lessons that come from experience, perseverance, and humility. His influence lives on through multiple generations of the Gulbro family, including his sons and grandson, who continue to carry forward the standards he set.
Curt was known for his firm handshake, quick humor, and genuine warmth, traits that many guests and team members still recognize today in the way FoxFire operates. Though he passed away last year, his legacy remains present in the culture of the restaurant, in the way guests are greeted, and in the pride taken in doing things the right way.
FoxFire stands today not only as a successful restaurant, but as a reflection of Curt Gulbro's belief that if you take care of people, everything else follows.
Chef & Owner | FoxFire Restaurant & Steakhouse | Geneva, Illinois
Locally loved and widely recognized, Chef K.C. Gulbro is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and hospitality leader known for creating dining experiences rooted in craft, community, and genuine hospitality.
As the chef and owner of FoxFire Restaurant & Steakhouse in downtown Geneva, Illinois, K.C. has built a reputation around premium steaks, elevated American cuisine, and a refined yet welcoming guest experience. A Certified Angus Beef® Brand Ambassador, he brings a deep respect for quality ingredients, disciplined execution, and consistent hospitality to every part of the restaurant.
K.C.'s journey in the restaurant industry began humbly as a dishwasher, eventually growing through nearly every operational and culinary role the business demands. That hands-on foundation shaped his respect for hard work, teamwork, precision, and consistency — values that continue to guide FoxFire today.
Founded in 2003 by father-and-son team Curt and Chef K.C. Gulbro, FoxFire has become a cornerstone of downtown Geneva and one of the region's most respected steakhouse destinations. More than two decades later, the restaurant remains known for expertly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, attentive service, and a dining room that feels polished without losing its warmth.
Under K.C.'s leadership, FoxFire has earned loyal support from local guests, visiting diners, families, business leaders, celebrities, and artists who return for memorable nights out, celebrations, and milestone dinners. While the restaurant has received regional and national recognition over the years, its strongest measure of success remains the generations of guests who continue to gather at FoxFire.
K.C.'s approach to hospitality is straightforward: serve great food, take care of people, and create a place guests want to return to. That philosophy has shaped FoxFire's identity as a modern, chef-driven steakhouse with deep local roots and a clear commitment to quality.
Guests may also recognize K.C. outside the kitchen, often arriving on his Indian motorcycle — a familiar sight that reflects his appreciation for craftsmanship, character, and the open road. Patio guests may even meet FoxFire's most unconventional team member, "Sous Chef" Ozzy, K.C.'s French Bulldog, whose friendly presence has become a lighthearted part of the restaurant's welcoming culture.
Through FoxFire Restaurant & Steakhouse, Chef K.C. Gulbro continues to help shape the Geneva dining scene, creating a place where people gather, celebrate, and stay awhile.
Jim Gulbro Manager | FoxFire Restaurant & Steakhouse | Geneva, Illinois
Jim Gulbro has been an integral part of the FoxFire Restaurant & Steakhouse story for more than 13 years, contributing his experience, leadership, and unmistakable personality to the restaurant's continued growth. As Chef K.C. Gulbro's older brother, Jim plays a vital supporting role behind the scenes, working part-time at FoxFire while balancing a successful full-time career in retail management.
Jim is a father of four and grandfather of two, and that strong sense of family naturally shapes the way he approaches hospitality. His primary career is in management with Woodman's Food Market in Bloomingdale, where he brings decades of leadership and customer service experience. At FoxFire, Jim steps in wherever he is needed, most often supporting customer service, guest relations, and expo, helping ensure seamless communication between the dining room and kitchen during busy services.
For Jim, FoxFire has always been a family endeavor. One of the most meaningful chapters of his journey was the opportunity to work alongside his father, Curt Gulbro, whose values of hard work, integrity, and warmth continue to influence the restaurant's culture. That legacy carries forward today not only through Jim and K.C., but through the next generation as well. Jim's oldest son, C.J., now works on the culinary side at FoxFire, continuing the family tradition and reinforcing the multigenerational roots that define the restaurant.
Before joining Woodman's and FoxFire, Jim built a successful career in mobile communications, where he was a standout salesman for Nextel and Sprint. He also co-owned and operated a mobile communications business with his father, Curt, gaining hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, sales, and relationship-driven service, skills that continue to serve him well in hospitality.
Jim attended Northern Illinois University, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) fraternity and served as the anchor of the fraternity's Tug Team, reflecting both leadership and camaraderie. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Jim is an avid Los Angeles Rams fan and a passionate follower of football at every level, from college matchups to professional Sundays.
Guests and staff alike recognize Jim for his quick wit, welcoming smile, and genuine handshake, traits he proudly shares with his father. Whether he's helping manage a busy service, supporting the expo line, or greeting guests with humor and warmth, Jim brings a sense of familiarity and ease that makes FoxFire feel like home.
At FoxFire, Jim Gulbro represents loyalty, continuity, and the power of family. His presence, alongside multiple generations of the Gulbro family, is a reminder that FoxFire's success is built not only on great food, but on relationships that span decades.
Miguel Gomez Head Chef | FoxFire Restaurant & Steakhouse | Geneva, Illinois
Miguel Gomez serves as Head Chef at FoxFire Restaurant & Steakhouse, bringing passion, discipline, and pride to the kitchen every day. His journey with FoxFire began at just 17 years old, making him one of the restaurant's longest-tenured team members and a true product of its culture. Starting as a busser, Miguel steadily worked his way through the ranks of the back of house, holding positions across nearly every area of the kitchen and hospitality operation.
Miguel's early work ethic was shaped both inside and outside the restaurant. As a standout player on St. Charles East High School's soccer team, he learned the values of teamwork, discipline, and competition, traits that continue to define his leadership style in the kitchen. That same drive pushed him to pursue formal culinary training through the College of DuPage Culinary Arts Program, where he refined his technical skills and deepened his understanding of professional cooking.
Today, as Head Chef, Miguel oversees daily kitchen operations, execution, and quality control, ensuring every dish leaving the pass meets FoxFire's exacting standards. Known for his demand for perfection, Miguel approaches the kitchen the same way he approaches soccer, with focus, intensity, and a commitment to winning through preparation and consistency. His leadership sets the tone for the culinary team, encouraging accountability, precision, and pride in every plate.
Miguel's cooking is deeply influenced by his Latin heritage, which he thoughtfully weaves into FoxFire's menu through bold flavors, technique, and subtle creative touches. His ability to respect FoxFire's classic steakhouse identity while introducing layered influences has helped elevate the menu and keep it evolving. Guests may not always see his influence immediately, but they taste it in the depth, balance, and confidence of each dish.
FoxFire is more than a workplace for Miguel, it is a family. His mother also works at FoxFire during the daytime, and her pride in her son's growth and accomplishments reflects the generational bonds that define the restaurant's culture. That family-first environment has also supported Miguel in his most important role outside the kitchen, being a single father to his son, Millan. Balancing fatherhood with the demands of a high-level culinary career has shaped Miguel into a focused, grounded leader who understands responsibility both on and off the line.
Outside of the kitchen, Miguel remains a devoted fan of Club América fútbol, carrying his lifelong love of the game wherever he goes. He dreams of attending the FIFA World Cup when it comes to the United States, a goal that mirrors his belief in dedication, patience, and aiming for the highest level in everything he does.
You can recognize Miguel instantly by his warm smile, sharp focus, and unwavering standards. Like soccer, cooking is competitive for him, not against others, but against yesterday's performance. His goal is simple and relentless: to ensure every dish is perfect, every service is strong, and every guest leaves FoxFire with an experience worth returning for.
As Head Chef, Miguel Gomez represents the heart of FoxFire, proof that growth, loyalty, and passion can shape not just a career, but a legacy.
Mandy Isaacson Décor & Event Manager | FoxFire Restaurant & Steakhouse | Geneva, Illinois
Mandy Isaacson has been an integral part of the FoxFire Restaurant & Steakhouse team for nearly 13 years, building a career rooted in hospitality, creativity, and exceptional attention to detail. She began her journey at FoxFire as a server, quickly earning a reputation for her natural ability to connect with guests and her instinct for creating warm, welcoming experiences.
Over time, Mandy's passion for hospitality evolved into a leadership role where vision, organization, and execution come together. Today, she serves as FoxFire's Décor & Event Manager, overseeing the planning, design, and execution of weddings, private events, corporate gatherings, and large-scale celebrations at FoxFire in Geneva, Illinois. She works closely with clients to guide each event from initial concept through final execution, ensuring every detail aligns with both the client's vision and FoxFire's elevated standards.
Mandy specializes in custom event design, including bespoke centerpieces, ceremony installations, wedding arches, themed décor, and immersive layouts that transform FoxFire's event spaces into memorable settings. She also played a key role in the redesign and refinement of FoxFire's restaurant and private event spaces, helping shape the atmosphere and flow guests experience today.
For Mandy, FoxFire is more than a workplace, it is a second home. The culture fostered by Chef K.C. Gulbro and the Gulbro family emphasizes trust, collaboration, and genuine care for both team members and guests. That environment has allowed Mandy's creativity to thrive and has strengthened her deep sense of pride and ownership in every event she plans. This connection is reflected in the thoughtful details, calm leadership, and personal investment she brings to each celebration.
Outside of FoxFire, Mandy's creativity extends well beyond the walls of the restaurant. She is a devoted wife and mother of four, balancing family life with an impressive portfolio of hands-on creative projects. A lifelong maker and builder, Mandy has a passion for crafting, DIY design, and large-scale creative builds. One of her most ambitious endeavors was the creation and operation of a custom haunted trail, which she designed and ran for five consecutive years. The experience featured more than 20 live actors, integrated lighting and sound design, special effects, and immersive environments, entertaining over 700 guests in a single night.
Creativity is not simply Mandy's profession, it is a way of life. Her ability to combine imagination, organization, leadership, and heartfelt hospitality makes her an essential part of the FoxFire experience and a trusted partner for clients celebrating life's most meaningful moments. Mandy works closely with couples, families, and organizations to ensure every FoxFire event is seamless, personal, and unforgettable.
