Fresno restaurant Saizon will close for brunch Saturday as employees mourn the unexpected death of chef Daniel Blake Oftedal, a longtime figure in Fresno’s culinary community.

Oftedal died unexpectedly Aug. 18 at age 48, according to his memorial page. A lifelong Fresno resident, Oftedal, known to many as Chef Dan, spent decades working in the local restaurant industry.

Saizon announced the Saturday closure Wednesday on Instagram, saying employees would take the time to honor Oftedal’s life.

“It is with great sadness we share we will be closed for brunch this Saturday as we come together to honor the life of our beloved chef, Dan,” the restaurant said.

“His presence, talent, and spirit will be deeply missed, and his absence will be felt for a very long time,” Saizon added.

Hardworking Chef Who Mentored Many

Oftedal graduated from Hoover High School in 1996 and later attended the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, where he earned an associate degree in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts, according to his memorial page. He also interned at Lulu restaurant in San Francisco.

Over his career, Oftedal worked at several well-known Fresno restaurants, including Pismo’s, Westwoods, Mad Duck, and Yosemite Ranch before most recently working at Saizon.

His memorial described Oftedal as a respected, hardworking, and detail-oriented chef who influenced cooks and other culinary professionals throughout Fresno.

Outside the kitchen, Oftedal was a devoted father to his 16-year-old son, JJ, and enjoyed watching football and baseball, particularly the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to the memorial.

Oftedal is also survived by his parents, Randy and Judy Oftedal; his brother, Martin Oftedal; Martin’s husband, Trent Barry; and their son, Hudson Barry Oftedal. He was preceded in death by his wife, Emily Greening-Oftedal.

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