Theodore “Teddy” Balestreri
Treasurer
Theodore (Teddy) Balestreri is a vibrant business and community leader in Monterey, leading hospitality operations of the Cannery Row Company, a family-owned business that has grown to employ 400 people in the Monterey Bay area. His wide-ranging career in the hospitality industry has included roles in foodservice operations, hotel and restaurant management and manufacturing of kitchen products.
Today, as Executive Vice President of Hospitality Operations and Community Relations, Balestreri oversees a diverse mix of properties, including The Inns of Monterey, a collection of boutique hotels, The Sardine Factory and Esteban restaurants, and foodservice-based retail.
Balestreri served as Chairman of the California Restaurant Association during the COVID-19 pandemic representing and advocating for California’s 90,000 restaurants and its 1.2 million person workforce. Appointed by California Governor, Gavin Newsom, Balestreri served proudly on California’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery, assisting the Administration and advising on actions government and businesses could take to navigate and recover quickly and safely from the pandemic and the economic and cultural challenges we continue to face.
He also is a past Chairman of the California Restaurant Association Foundation, which helps drive culinary arts programs at California high schools and raises funds for scholarships and hospitality workers who find themselves facing unexpected personal hardship.
Balestreri is the past Chairman of the Monterey County Hospitality Association and has served as President of the Monterey Peninsula Sunrise Rotary Club and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Advisory Council
He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, the National Restaurant Association, and Montage Health Foundation. And previously served on the board of The Foundation of Cal State University, Monterey Bay.
Balestreri was named and awarded; 2020 Hospitality Professional Of The Year by the Monterey County Hospitality Association. And the 2025 Business Leadership Award from California State University, Monterey Bay College of Business. The MPC Foundation has announced that Teddy will be awarded the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Of The Year and will be inducted into the Lobo Hall of Fame.
Balestreri graduated Monterey Peninsula College and continued his education, studying at California State University, Monterey Bay.