SAN FRANCISCO, CA, September 17, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- David Gabiné has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Gabiné has established a distinguished career in the hospitality industry, culminating in his current role as owner of Le Central in San Francisco, a position he has held since 2024. Under his stewardship, the restaurant has continued its legacy as one of the city's most historic dining establishments, originally founded by Pierre and Claude Capelle from Normandy, France. Le Central Bistro is recognized as the first brasserie-style French restaurant in San Francisco and remains a cornerstone of the local culinary scene.

Prior to acquiring ownership, Mr. Gabiné dedicated two decades to Le Central Bistro under the leadership of Johnny and Paul Tanphanich, who themselves had bought the restaurant in 1993 after working for Pierre and Claude for almost 20 years. From 2004 to 2024, Mr. Gabiné advanced through several key positions at the restaurant, beginning as a bartender and server before being promoted to wine director and general manager. In these roles, he was responsible for curating an acclaimed wine list and overseeing all wine purchases, ultimately shaping the restaurant's reputation for excellence in both food and beverage service. A respected member of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, he is committed to upholding industry standards and contributing to the broader restaurant community.

Earlier in his professional journey, Mr. Gabiné gained experience across various roles within the hospitality sector, starting as a dishwasher at 14 years old and moving up the ranks in the kitchen, then on to the front of the house. In addition to his extensive background in hospitality, he also pursued a career in real estate and mortgage sales. During periods when commission-based income fluctuated, he consistently maintained bartending positions to ensure financial stability.

Mr. Gabiné's professional foundation was shaped by his service in the United States Marine Corps from 1992 to 1996. His educational background includes college coursework following his military service. While he initially planned to pursue a photography career — winning several awards for his work during high school — he ultimately chose not pursue a career in photography.

Mr. Gabiné credits much of his success to the support of his wife, a first-generation American whose family immigrated from the Philippines, as her encouragement and investment was pivotal when he decided to buy Le Central. He is also grateful for lessons learned from former employers and strives to foster a positive environment for both employees and guests. Furthermore, his values of perseverance and dedication, learned from his single mother who worked tirelessly to support their family during challenging times in the 1980s, have been instrumental in shaping his character and leadership style.

Throughout his career, Mr. Gabiné has received notable recognition for his achievements. In 2025, Le Central was honored with the "Best of Award of Excellence" from The Wine Spectator magazine, marking an advancement from its previous "Award of Excellence" status and underscoring Mr. Gabiné's expertise as a wine director. Additionally, he has earned various photography awards reflecting his early artistic pursuits.

Civic engagement is an important aspect of Mr. Gabiné's life. He actively supports organizations like Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, Breast cancer awareness groups, No Kid Hungry and numerous fundraisers facilitated through Le Central. Additionally, he is involved in charities focused on chronic myeloid leukemia research, passionate about this cause after his own diagnosis in 2018.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mr. Gabiné enjoys photography, playing drums and other instruments, producing music with groups like Eli and the Approach and collaborating with various bands. He values time spent with his children above all else.

Anticipating the future, Mr. Gabiné is dedicated to growing Le Central both in revenue and reputation while exploring opportunities for expansion with new concepts centered on wine and small bites. He remains committed to revitalizing the restaurant's storied legacy as a gathering place for prominent figures, including politicians and celebrities, and restoring it to its celebrated status within San Francisco's vibrant dining landscape.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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