SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (August 8, 2024) – The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel announces the appointment of Sam Shafer as Executive Chef of Revival at the Sawyer, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar. Embodying casual cool luxury, Revival at the Sawyer features an airy, open floorplan and a beautifully landscaped pool deck, creating a vibrant atmosphere with natural textures and lively energy. With over 16 years of experience throughout the Golden State’s hospitality landscape, Shafer brings a wealth of expertise, creativity and passion to his new position. He will oversee Revival’s spirited menu focused on inventive New American dishes spanning garden, land and sea. Coming additions by Chef Shafer include pistachio-crusted rack of lamb, shrimp scampi and oven-roasted cauliflower seasoned with nuoc cham and aji amarillo.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Sam back to property and know his culinary expertise and extensive background in the region will be impactful to Revival’s continued success,” said Nikki Carlson, general manager for The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel. “His passion for creating extraordinary experiences for guests aligns seamlessly with our commitment to service. We are confident Chef Sam will elevate our culinary offerings to new heights, delighting our guests with his innovative and inspired creations.”
Shafer’s extensive career spans several of California’s most renowned culinary establishments. Most recently, he served as Executive Sous Chef at the iconic Silverado Resort in Napa Valley, where he oversaw all culinary operations and managed a team of 100 staff. His impressive tenure included complete menu development for banquets and multiple dining outlets. Known for his creative culinary programming highlighting California’s famed bounty of premier produce and wine, Shafer launched Silverado’s wine dinner series, partnering with a host of local wineries in Napa Valley. He also oversaw the addition of a 6,000 square foot organic produce garden on-site, further demonstrating his focus on sustainable, local ingredients.
Prior to his role at Silverado Resort, and marking a return to familiar surroundings, Shafer served as Banquet Chef at the Sawyer where he played a pivotal role in the hotel’s opening and developed curated seasonal menus for events and in-room dining. His culinary career also includes serving as Executive Sous Chef at Sutro’s at the Cliff House in San Francisco, an expansive 150+ top Michelin-recommended restaurant. Here, he was responsible for creating seasonal farm-to-fork inspired menus, drawing on the region’s freshest ingredients.
The Kimpton Sawyer, which opened in the fall of 2017, is located at the Downtown Commons, overlooking the Golden 1 Center, Sacramento’s first-ever indoor-outdoor arena and home to the Sacramento Kings. The hotel features 250 guest rooms and spacious suites, all set in an idyllic urban location surrounded by a variety of retail experiences, art galleries, and the city’s renowned restaurants and farmer’s markets.
For more information on Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, visit sawyerhotel.com
