Who’s on the Move in F&B?

NATIONAL REPORT—Hotels across the country are revamping F&B operations. Here’s a look at the new additions to hotel culinary teams:

HGU New York Partners with Chef and Restauranteur John DeLucie

HGU New York Hotel has partnered with star chef and restauranteur John DeLucie to launch new food and beverage concepts across the luxury boutique hotel. The partnership includes a phased overhaul of the hotel’s bars and restaurants including the 1905 Lounge, rooftop, lobby bar and the creation of a signature restaurant set to open this fall.

Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead Welcomes Executive Chef

Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead has welcomed Executive Chef Christophe Truchet as the leader of the hotel’s culinary team. Truchet is responsible for the property’s culinary and banquet operations, menu development, concept and programming for the hotel’s signature restaurant, café & bar and oversees in­-room dining. He joins the hotel with nearly 20 years of experience. Most recently, Truchet served as executive sous chef at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.

The Peninsula Chicago Appoints Executive Chef 

The Peninsula Chicago has appointed Executive Chef Baasim Zafar, a native of England with more than 25 years of experience in restaurants and luxury hotels in the United States, London and Saudi Arabia. Chef Zafar will oversee all Peninsula restaurant kitchens for The Lobby, Shanghai Terrace, Pierrot Gourmet and Z Bar, as well as banquets, in-room dining and pastry kitchen operations. Most recently, he led culinary operations at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago that included the launch of Italian steakhouse Torali and accompanying bar, rooftop lounge and café.

Innisbrook Resort Appoints New Director of Restaurants

Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, FL has appointed Dan Brown to director of restaurants. In his new role, Brown will oversee restaurant operations at each of Innisbrook’s four restaurants, to include the implementation of creative concepts, showcasing the talents of the resort’s culinary team as well as the inviting indoor and outdoor spaces for dining and entertainment. Brown brings more than 26 years of management experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. He has maintained positions ranging from manager to assistant director for multiple restaurant outlets, and has been employed by properties including the Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel & Marina in San Diego, the Fairmont Plaza Hotel in NY, Mohegan Sun in Connecticut and The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa, FL.

Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Charleston Historic District Appoint Executive Chef

Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Charleston Historic District has appointed of executive chef Albert Kunco. Kunco has more than 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry focused on honing his culinary skills. Most recently, Kunco served as the executive chef at Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners. Kunco will lead the development of a new catering program for group, corporate and social events and launch seasonal menus for the hotel restaurant, bar and happy hour.

Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows Revamps Culinary Team

Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows has introduced a new culinary team led by Executive Chef Nate Larsen and Sous Chef Chelsea Cummings. The new team under the direction of Chefs Larsen and Cummings will drive the culinary program at Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen, Turquoise Pool Bar and Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary as well as in-room dining and banquet operations. Larsen most recently served as executive chef at Hyatt Centric Park City. Cummings most recently moved to Arizona as a corporate management trainee with Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch.