Chef N Rovillos: A Father First, A Chef Second

How the man behind Illo’s Group, Chef N Rovillos, stays grounded through family, flavor, and fatherhood

Chef N Rovillos may be best known for transforming everyday ingredients into meals that bring people together. As the heart and soul behind Illo’s Group, he’s created a brand celebrated for its warmth, authenticity, and meticulous attention to detail. But while his culinary craft has earned recognition, Chef N will tell you his greatest achievement isn’t found in a kitchen or recipe—it’s in the quiet, everyday moments spent with his family.

Behind the hustle of multiple kitchens and a fast-growing food business, there’s one role Chef N holds closest to his heart: being a father. His life—much like his cooking—is built not just on passion, but on patience, purpose, and unconditional love.

The Heart of His Home

Ask Chef N about his greatest joy, and he won’t point to rave reviews or packed restaurants. He’ll talk about breakfast with his kids, spontaneous dinners at home, or the sound of laughter around the table.

“People often ask how I balance my career with being a father,” he says. “But for me, it’s not about balancing two separate things. It’s about knowing your priorities and showing up. Family will always be my top priority.”

Yes, the food business is demanding. There’s always a dish to refine or a decision to make. But for Chef N, home is where he truly comes alive. “The people you love—that’s what really matters. It’s the laughter of my four kids, the presence of my wife, the small joys of being together that keep me grounded.”

Even amid the nonstop demands of managing restaurants, deliveries, and catering operations, he stays committed to being present. Whether it’s showing up for school events, movie nights, or being the weekend breakfast cook, Chef N ensures that his kids know that they’ll always come first.

Lessons Beyond the Kitchen

Chef N’s approach to parenting mirrors the same values that guide his work in the kitchen—discipline, grace under pressure, and the humility to keep learning.

“Fatherhood is a lot like cooking,” Chef N reflects. “It’s not about rushing through it—it’s about allowing things to develop at their own pace. In the kitchen, you can’t rush perfection. The same goes for parenting. You have to be patient, you have to be present, and you have to make adjustments along the way.”

He’s the first to admit he’s made mistakes, in both cooking and parenting. “I’ve burned dishes. I’ve raised my voice when I shouldn’t have. But you learn. You tweak the recipe. You try again. That’s what matters.”

When his kids face their own challenges, he doesn’t step in with quick fixes. Instead, he offers perspective. “I tell them, life is like a dish—it won’t always turn out perfect, but you can always improve it. There’s always another chance to make it better.”

Building a Family Legacy

For Chef N, family isn’t just important—it’s everything. “Success in business is great,” he says, “but it’s how you show up for your family that really counts. My kids are my why. They’re my greatest teachers, and they remind me daily what love and purpose really look like.”

One of his favorite memories is when his daughter Rafi, then seven, asked him to teach her how to cook. That day, Chef N realized that cooking wasn’t just about teaching his daughter to make food—it was about bonding, sharing life’s lessons, and creating memories that he would fondly look back.

“We made eggs and pancakes,” he recalls, laughing. “The oil splattered everywhere, it was chaos—but it was perfect. Not because of the food, but because of the connection.”

He’s just as proud of the deep conversations he has with his eldest daughter, Sabina. “I always tell her, ‘You don’t need to be anyone else. Be independent. Trust your voice.’ Watching her grow into her own has been one of the greatest joys of my life.”

With the arrival of his youngest children—Seth, now 2, and Samara, 1—Chef N has entered a new chapter of fatherhood. “Their laughter always reminds me there’s always more love to give,” he says.

Where the Recipe Begins

Family meals, for Chef N, are sacred. “It’s not about fancy plating or big occasions. It’s the simple act of sitting around the table, sharing a meal, and just being together. That’s what I hold on to.”

He’s watched his children begin to form their own values—kindness, gratitude, and integrity—the same ones he tries to model daily. “That’s the real legacy I want to leave. Not restaurants or recipes, but values that will carry them through life.”

His kids also happen to be his most honest food critics. “They’re brutally honest,” he laughs. “If they don’t like something, we tweak it together. They keep me humble—and that’s a gift.”

Chef N brings that same spirit into his kitchen teams. “I always tell my chefs: cook like you’re preparing a meal for someone you love. That’s where true hospitality begins—with heart, intention, and care.”

Fatherhood: His Greatest Recipe

While Chef N has built an empire through Illo’s Group, it’s his role as a father that brings him the most meaning.

“The greatest recipe I’ve ever created isn’t a dish,” he says. “It’s my relationship with my children. It’s being there, listening, teaching them the value of hard work and love. That’s the legacy I care most about.”

When all the plates are cleared and the kitchen lights turn off, one thing remains: Chef N Rovillos is, above all, a father.

And for him, that’s the greatest role of all.

More about dads in the kitchen?

Robby Goco Looks Back at How He’s Come Full Circle
Ahmah Shirley’s Specialties: Refining Ge Lai with Sherwin Ko
Gene, Gino, and Giannina Gonzalez: “Food is in Their Genes!”