Sean McGaughey

With over two decades in the hospitality industry, Sean McGaughey has built a multifaceted career spanning Michelin-starred kitchens, restaurant ownership, and culinary systems design. His experience ranges from managing a three Michelin-starred kitchen to leading recipe development and serving as a culinary director for award-winning cookbooks.

In Northern California, McGaughey spent more than five years at SingleThread, rising from Executive Sous Chef to Head Chef, where he helped shape one of the country’s most acclaimed dining experiences. In 2020, he and his partner Melissa Yanc co-founded Quail & Condor during the pandemic, launching with a series of highly sought-after pop-ups that quickly gained a dedicated following.

Building on that momentum, the duo expanded their vision with the opening of Troubadour Bread & Bistro in 2022, translating their approach into a full-service concept rooted in technique, seasonality, and community.

In December 2025, McGaughey partnered with Melissa Yanc and chef Matthew Vawter to open Threefold Bakery in Breckenridge, Colorado, bringing their collaborative, craft-driven approach to a new mountain market.

Beyond the kitchen, McGaughey is known for his expertise in restaurant design and operations, specializing in kitchen builds, workflow optimization, menu development, and scalable systems. His ability to merge culinary creativity with operational precision has been central to the continued growth and success of his concepts.