OUR TEAM
SAMANTHA “SAM” RAMIREZ
Dallas native Sam Ramirez grew up in Oak Cliff watching her mom make wedding cakes at their local church. After taking art courses at community colleges, she spent seven years working in marketing before becoming a stay-at-home mom. When her son’s first birthday was nearing, Sam set out to learn the ins and outs of baking on her own.
She started an in-home bakery in 2005 and then worked full-time for Cake Carousel for four years. Sam later worked as an assistant to the pastry chef at The Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus Downtown in 2019 for two years before joining at Savor by Samir.
She enjoys the challenge of her work and the joy of knowing that her creations are the last bite every guest will taste. When she’s not at work, Sam enjoys relaxing with her four dogs and three cats.
THERESA “TERRI” MAE RUSSO
Terri Russo’s culinary interests began at an early age watching her father—the son of a Sicilian immigrant—work as a chef. She grew up in East Dallas, graduated from Hillcrest High School, and studied at the University of Texas at Austin before working at the original Chili’s, Hoffbrau Steakhouse, and Primo’s. Prior to joining Savor by Samir in 2021, she worked at The Mansion on Turtle Creek and then at Nick & Sam’s where she started as a server in 2009 and was named Catering Manager in 2010. Today, Terri continues to find pleasure seeing clients happy with their services and seeing an event through from conception to completion.
In her free time, Terri enjoys traveling, cooking at home, gardening, reading, and spending time with her husband of 48 years.
SALVADOR “CHAVA” JOSE ORDAZ
Chef Chava Jose Ordaz was born and raised in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and then moved to Dallas after studying administration at a Mexico City university. Prior to joining Savor by Samir, he had roles of increasing responsibility at The Black-Eyed Pea before spending a year as sous chef at Al Biernat’s. Chava then started at Nick & Sam’s in the lines, was sous chef at Nick & Sam’s Grill, and then landed the role of chef at Savor by Samir. Chava says what he loves most about the industry is preparing a variety of foods to represent different countries.
When Chava isn’t creating homemade dressings and salsas in the Savor by Samir kitchen, he enjoys relaxing at home, watching action and drama movies, and camping. His favorite dish to eat is Chilaquiles with homemade tortillas.