The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, May 2016 … Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has named Nicholas Church executive chef for Chaminade Resort & Spa, the award-winning Benchmark Resort® perched on a hill overlooking Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz, California. Kevin Herbst, general manager for the resort, made the announcement.

“This is a wonderful promotion for Nicholas,” said Mr. Herbst. “He has worked in all areas of our kitchens, and is a natural leader of his team. He also brings vast knowledge of the culinary preferences of our market to his new role. We congratulate Chef Church on his new position with our resort!”

Nicholas Church is a veteran of the culinary arts and of Chaminade Resort & Spa. For nearly two decades he actively contributed in the resort’s kitchens, initially as line cook, and eventually as executive sous chef. In 2012, he exercised his entrepreneurial aspirations and a life-long dream, opening his own restaurant, Mama Mia's, located in Felton, California. Subsequently he returned to Chaminade assuming his previous role as executive sous chef.

Chef Church attended Cabrillo College in Aptos, California. He resides in Santa Cruz County.