Headshot can be found HERE
FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 23, 2021) – Luminary Hotel & Co. is pleased to announce the appointment of Samuel Kaufman as the executive sous chef for all food and beverage operations and outlets at the hotel, including The Silver King Ocean Brasserie, Ella Mae’s Diner, Beacon Social Drinkery and Oxbow Bar & Grill. In his new position, Kaufman will direct daily culinary operations, as well as oversee food and beverage offerings for meetings, corporate events, local catering functions, and special occasions in the hotel’s 10,000 square feet of event space and neighboring Caloosa Sound Convention Center, offering 40,000 square feet of function space.
“Chef Sam brings a wonderful mix of culinary creativity and kitchen management to Luminary Hotel & Co.,” said Bob Megazzini, General Manager of Luminary Hotel & Co. “As executive sous chef, we’re confident he will lead our exceptional culinary team to new heights to enhance the overall guest experience for years to come.”
With more than 20 years of high-volume experience in American Cuisine, Kaufman joins Luminary from Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland, where he worked as resident specialty chef. Prior to that, Kaufman was executive chef at Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel in Arlington, Virginia, and was responsible for leading a team, monthly inventory, and managing food costs. Kaufman is an American Culinary Federation Certified Chef and obtained his Associates Degree in Culinary Arts/Chef Training from the Community College of Philadelphia.
Guests of Luminary Hotel & Co. have ample options to explore their culinary curiosity – from a signature restaurant and rooftop bar, to a casual streetside diner and coffee roastery. The Silver King Ocean Brasserie is located inside the Luminary Hotel & Co. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. 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 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Monday through Wednesday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; and Friday – Saturday 3 p.m. to midnight. The newest member to the Luminary culinary scene is Oxbow Bar & Grill, located just steps from the hotel on the Caloosahatchee River. Oxbow is open Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 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 Roaster & Retail; 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 and scheduled to open in early 2022. LuminaryHotel.com
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About Mainsail Lodging & Development
Mainsail Lodging & Development is an award-winning, Tampa, Florida-based company specializing in hotel, corporate 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. Created 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. Through its Mainsail Corporate Housing and Mainsail Vacation Rentals brands, the company manages a collection of private vacation homes in Florida and corporate housing solutions across the country. To ensure long-term success and profitability, Mainsail relies on the dedication of its high-performing leadership team, 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 180 independent hotels located in the most desirable destinations across more than 35 countries and territories. Each is a product of passion and a personal realization of its individual founder’s vision, making each hotel singular and special: Exactly Like Nothing Else. Hand-selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality, Autograph Collection hotels offer rich immersive moments that leave a lasting imprint. For more information, please visit www.autographhotels.com, and explore our social media channels on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook or follow along to be inspired by immersive moments that are #ExactlyLikeNothingElse. Autograph Collection Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz- Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enrol for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.