FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 6, 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.
