FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 5, 2023) – Luminary Hotel & Co. is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Pankrath as its new Executive Chef, and Caneale Mills as Director of Food & Beverage for all outlets at the hotel, including The Silver King Ocean Brasserie, Ella Mae’s Diner, Beacon Social Drinkery, Dean Street Coffee Roastery & Retail, Oxbow Bar & Grill, and Chips Sports Pub. This dynamic culinary duo is set to take the dining experience at Luminary Hotel & Co. to new heights, infusing innovation and creativity into every dish and dining concept.
“Both Chef Joe and Caneale bring a level of expertise and passion that aligns perfectly with our commitment to culinary excellence,” said Robert “Bobby” Nokley, General Manager of Luminary Hotel & Co. “Together, they will collaborate closely to reimagine and expand our culinary landscape, enriching the existing dining experiences at all outlets.”
Pankrath joins Luminary Hotel & Co. with more than two decades of culinary experience in the hotel and restaurant industry. His impressive career includes significant roles such as Senior Sous Chef at the Renaissance Chicago, Executive Sous Chef at JW Marriott Marco Island, and, most recently, the Complex Executive Chef at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. Throughout his career, Chef Pankrath has demonstrated a curated, yet methodical approach to the culinary industry, resulting in numerous accomplishments, including Marriott’s Guest Satisfaction Survey (GSS) food quality index improvements, best in class food cost and profitability metrics, and the creation of several new outlet concepts and programming.
With nearly 20 years in the hospitality industry, Mills joins Luminary Hotel & Co. from the ChampionsGate Country Club in Davenport, Florida, where she served as General Manager. She has previously held roles in the robust Orlando market, including Restaurant Manager at JW Marriott Grande Lakes, and Director of Restaurants at the Orlando World Center Marriott. Mills also served as Director of Food & Beverage at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra from 2014 to 2020, where she made significant contributions to the hotel's culinary excellence. Mills has also been running her own consulting business since 2021, showcasing her dedication to the food and beverage industry. As Director of Food & Beverage at Luminary, Mills will guide the success of all dining outlets and the complex banquet team, working closely with Chef Pankrath.
Guests of Luminary Hotel & Co. and locals alike have ample options to explore their culinary curiosity – from a signature restaurant and rooftop bar to a casual streetside diner and sports pub. The Silver King Ocean Brasserie is located inside the Luminary Hotel & Co. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Ella Mae’s Diner, located on the hotel’s ground floor with access to Bay Street, is open Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located 12 stories up, the rooftop Beacon Social Drinkery is open on Sundays from 3 to 9 p.m.; Monday through Thursday 4 to 10 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight. Located just steps from the hotel on the Caloosahatchee River, Oxbow Bar & Grill is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The newest member to the Luminary culinary scene is Chips Sports Pub, with a Topgolf Swing Suite open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday from 3 to 10 p.m.; Friday from 3 to 11 p.m.; and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Full menus and other information on each outlet can be found online.
For more information on Luminary Hotel & Co., visit LuminaryHotel.com.
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About Luminary Hotel & Co.
On Sept. 23, 2020, the waterfront Luminary Hotel & Co. opened its doors, soaring 12 stories above downtown Fort Myers, Florida, as the area’s first hotel in the prestigious Autograph Collection® of Marriott International. More than a hotel, the AAA Four Diamond Luminary is a hub of excitement and discovery – a focal point where locals and travelers tap into the collective energy of a city, and a story, begun by a brilliant cast of audacious local luminaries. The 243-room boutique hotel is home to the signature Silver King Ocean Brasserie and Lobby Bar; Beacon Social Drinkery rooftop lounge; Ella Mae's Diner; Oxbow Bar & Grill; Dean Street Coffee Roastery & Retail; Chips Sports Pub & Topgolf Swing Suite; The Workshop culinary theater; an indoor and outdoor fitness facility; and a spacious pool area on the fourth floor featuring an event deck overlooking the Caloosahatchee River. Luminary offers 10,000 square feet of adaptable indoor and outdoor function space ideal for a variety of events and meetings and is adjacent to the neighboring Caloosa Sound Convention Center. The hotel also offers convenient access to the new Caloosa Sound Amphitheater located on the Caloosahatchee. LuminaryHotel.com
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About Mainsail Lodging & Development
Mainsail Lodging & Development is an award-winning, Tampa, Florida-based company specializing in hotel, furnished housing, and resort property management and development, marketing and sales. An established company with a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, Mainsail prides itself in finding unique lodging opportunities with a purpose and applying its passion and expertise to each project. Founded by President Joe Collier with a combination of daring vision and dogged determination, Mainsail has built an impressive portfolio of top-branded properties throughout the southeastern United States and Caribbean. Each Mainsail property inspires guests with a distinct character and meticulously crafted, sophisticated style, from a private island resort, and urban culinary showplaces, to waterfront marvels, boutique southern hotels, and a historic jazz era icon. Stay Sojo, Mainsail’s newest brand, provides short-term furnished living options across the country, while Mainsail Vacation Rentals manages a collection of private vacation homes in Florida and the Caribbean. To ensure long-term success and profitability, Mainsail relies on the dedication of its high-performing associates, a growing group of enterprising investors, and a commitment to giving back, every step of the way. MainsailHotels.com
About Autograph Collection® Hotels
Autograph Collection Hotels advocates for the original, championing the individuality of each of its over 290 independent hotels located in the most desirable destinations across 50 countries and territories. Each hotel is a product of passion, inspired by a clear vision, soul, and story that makes it individual and special: Exactly Like Nothing Else. Hand-selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality, Autograph Collection properties offer rich immersive moments that leave a lasting imprint. For more information, please visit www.autographhotels.com, and explore on social via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to be inspired by immersive moments that are #ExactlyLikeNothingElse. Autograph Collection is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.