Each Wednesday the Napa Valley Register’s Business Focus features “10 Questions” for a local entrepreneur. Readers are welcome to suggest business people to be profiled.

Thomas Keller may have single-handedly put Yountville on the global food map. The chef and entrepreneur is the owner of Yountville’s famed the French Laundry, Bouchon, and Bouchon Bakery. Keller also operates Per Se and Bouchon Bakery in New York City and Bouchon Las Vegas. He recently purchased the former Wine Garden in Yountville. The businessman has his own cookbook and a line of dining accouterments at major retailers. Safe to say, Keller’s business empire is one to watch, and admire.

What three people would you most like to have dinner with (living or dead)?

Fernand Point, Audrey Hepburn and Harry Truman.

What job would you like to try?

Shortstop.

What job would you not like to try? President of the United States.

What was your first job?

Paper boy.

How did you get into this business?

Through my mom. She was the manager at the Palm Beach Yacht Club and she hired me as a dishwasher.

What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?

Reopening the French Laundry after closing it for renovations for several months in 2004.

What’s your favorite morning beverage?

Espresso.

Which three Web sites do you have bookmarked or visit regularly?

AA.com (American Airlines - since I travel a lot).

Drugstore.com - to buy my vitamins and supplements.

Centurytheatres.com - check out which movies are playing.

What is one necessary extravagance in your life?

Massages.

What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?

I like hamburgers.

What’s your favorite weekend retreat?

Going to the beach.

P.S. What other business person would you like to see featured in “10 Questions for...”

Connie Green, aka “The Mushroom Lady”

To suggest a candidate for “10 Questions” e-mail: jhuffman@napanews.com