Alex Cuper

Director of Beverage and Hospitality

Alex Cuper joined the team as General Manager at El Che Steakhouse & Bar in 2019 and has since built one of the most ambitious beverage programs in the country. Under his leadership, El Che and Brasero have established themselves as the definitive destination for South American wine in the United States, anchored by the nation's largest South American wine list and Brasero's approachable 100-bottle-under-$100 program. A two-time nominee, Cuper took home Sommelier of the Year at Chicago's Jean Banchet Awards in 2026. That same year, he led Brasero to semifinalist recognition by the James Beard Foundation for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverage Program. When he's not curating one of the country's most celebrated wine lists, he can be found at Riot Fest or at home with his snail, Gary.