Willet’s Corner Team Members

Kenneth Halberg, Managing Partner

Jill Halberg, Partner and Director of Catering, Events and Community Outreach

Jill and Ken Halberg are the husband-and-wife team behind Willet’s Corner on the Upper West Side who bring more than three decades of shared hospitality experience shaped by their years running the now closed Harding’s and Casa Neta restaurants in the Flatiron district. Joining Jill and Ken at Willet’s Corner are many team members of the Harding’s family including Executive Chef Joel Zaragoza and Beverage Director Hugo Ayala.

Joel Zaragoza, Executive Chef

A native of Puebla, Mexico, Chef Joel Zaragoz launched his New York career more than 25 years ago with Sarabeth Levine at her iconic Upper East Side bakery and restaurant, Sarabeth’s. From 2014 to 2024, Chef Joel helmed the kitchen at Harding’s, where he became known for craveable and upscale American fare, while leading Casa Neta’s kitchen from 2016 to 2018 with a menu rooted in his Mexican heritage.

Hugo Ayala, Beverage Director & Manager

Hugo Ayala is a hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience in both front-of-house service and mixology. Born in Bolivia and raised in New York City, he has worked in a wide range of restaurants, including Serafina and the Michelin-starred Daniel, and first developed his craft at Rayuela before joining the teams at Harding’s and Casa Neta from 2016 to 2024. Inspired by his Latin American roots, Hugo is a dedicated advocate for spirits such as Singani, pisco, aguardiente, cachaça, mezcal, and tequila, traveling often to learn directly from producers. At Willet’s Corner, he brings deep expertise, cultural insight, and a genuine passion for hospitality.