The Fahrenheit leadership team embodies the spirit of culinary excellence and exceptional hospitality that defines our upscale restaurants. Each member brings unique expertise, driving our commitment to contemporary American cuisine and unforgettable dining experiences in Cleveland and Charlotte.
Fahrenheit Leadership
Rocco Whalen
Chef and Founder
Rocco Whalen’s life and career are deeply connected to cooking:
its energy, creativity, discipline, sustainability, and the
memories of learning in the kitchen with his mother. Those
influences shape the experience he shares with longtime guests
and first-time visitors at Fahrenheit.
Chef Whalen opened Fahrenheit in Cleveland’s historic Tremont
neighborhood in 2002. After two successful decades, the
restaurant transitioned to its current home on Public Square in
Downtown Cleveland.
His contemporary American cuisine has continued to evolve since
the restaurant’s opening, balancing imagination, refinement, and
a consistent commitment to memorable dining.
Fahrenheit Leadership
David Feimster
Director of Operations
Originally from Toms River, New Jersey, David Feimster earned his culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 1996. He later joined world-renowned Chef Wolfgang Puck in Phoenix, where he advanced through the kitchen, developed a passion for sushi, and became Corporate Sushi Chef. During that period, Feimster met and formed a lasting friendship with Rocco Whalen. He later spent several years traveling and opening restaurants for Wolfgang Puck before moving to Kona, Hawaii, in 2004 to open his own restaurant, Sushi En Fuego. In 2012, Feimster joined Fahrenheit Charlotte as Executive Chef for the city’s open-air rooftop restaurant on the 21st floor. He was promoted to Director of Operations in 2019, overseeing operations for Fahrenheit Charlotte and Fahrenheit Cleveland. Under his leadership, Fahrenheit has continued to grow as a destination for local guests, travelers, food enthusiasts, and special-event dining in both cities.
Fahrenheit Leadership
Mercury Arteaga
Corporate General Manager
Mercury Arteaga is a UNC Charlotte graduate with a hospitality background spanning restaurant sales, events, and marketing. She began her Fahrenheit Charlotte career as a lead host and quickly distinguished herself through strong attention to detail, dedication, and a genuine commitment to creating memorable guest experiences. As Corporate General Manager, Mercury leads with innovation and a consistent focus on operational excellence across the Fahrenheit organization. She is also a certified Level One Sommelier with a deep appreciation for wine and the role it plays in enhancing the complete dining experience.
Fahrenheit Leadership
Andrea Franceschelli
Corporate Sales and Events Manager
Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Andrea Franceschelli earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Ohio University in 2007. After moving to Charlotte that same year, she built extensive experience in sales, marketing, hospitality, and multiple front-of-house restaurant roles. Andrea joined Fahrenheit Charlotte as Sales and Events Manager in 2014, overseeing marketing and event sales. In 2023, she was promoted to Corporate Sales and Events Manager and assisted with the opening of Fahrenheit’s Downtown Cleveland location. She has consistently produced multimillion-dollar event sales and helped expand the company’s events operation into a five-person sales team supporting Charlotte and Cleveland.
Fahrenheit Cleveland Culinary Leadership
Chef Luis Ocasio
Executive Chef, Fahrenheit Cleveland
Cleveland native Chef Luis Ocasio discovered his passion for cooking at seven years old while watching Iron Chef. At 19, he began his professional culinary journey at Fahrenheit’s original Tremont location and advanced to Sous Chef by age 21 through discipline, dedication, and hard work. Chef Ocasio expanded his experience by training with Japanese chefs in the art of sushi and later working alongside Michael Symon. He also staged in Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago and New York, gaining experience with fine dining and tasting menus at the highest level. Now serving as Executive Chef at Fahrenheit Cleveland, Chef Ocasio leads with focus, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence while building a strong kitchen team and delivering elevated dining experiences with every service.
Our Vision & Values
The Strength of the Fahrenheit Leadership Team
The Fahrenheit leadership team is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of culinary excellence and guest satisfaction across both our Cleveland and Charlotte locations. Our collective expertise drives innovation in contemporary American cuisine, ensuring every visit is an unforgettable experience. We believe in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and passion for hospitality, which is reflected in every dish served and every interaction with our guests. Our leaders, from Chef Rocco Whalen to our operational and sales directors, work collaboratively to create a seamless and luxurious dining environment. This commitment extends to our private dining experiences, where our team meticulously plans every detail to exceed expectations. We are proud to offer exceptional service and an inviting atmosphere that makes Fahrenheit a premier destination for discerning diners. We are always looking for talented individuals to join our growing team. Explore career opportunities with Fahrenheit Restaurants and become part of a leadership-driven environment that values dedication and culinary artistry. Whether you’re seeking an intimate dinner or planning a grand event, our team is ready to provide an unparalleled experience. For reservations at our Charlotte location, please visit Fahrenheit Charlotte on OpenTable.
FAHRENHEIT LEADERSHIP TEAMCULINARY LEADERSHIPFAHRENHEIT RESTAURANTS
Fahrenheit Leadership Team
Culinary Excellence
Upscale Dining Experience