ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 21, 2018) – In preparation for its upcoming opening, Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort has appointed Director of Food & Beverage Robert Ivey and Executive Chef John Botkin, who are busily engaged in menu selection, banquet positioning and overall planning for the culinary offerings at the new oceanfront resort. The property is being developed by prominent real estate investment and development company Key International.
“In addition to unparalleled ocean views and exceptional amenities, we want to be known for our all-encompassing culinary experiences,” said Jason Kern, general manager, Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort. “With Robert and John leading the charge, I have no doubt we will quickly become a preferred choice for outstanding oceanfront cuisine in St. Augustine Beach.”
Having worked for some of the top hospitality companies in the industry, Director of Food & Beverage Robert Ivey recently led the culinary direction for the opening of several large, full-service resorts for megabrand Landry’s Inc. Most recently Ivey was on the opening team of the 1,000-room Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino, overseeing all food and beverage operations at its seven culinary offerings. Prior to that, he was Director of Catering and Convention Services for more than two decades at Universal Orlando Resort, assisting with the opening of the worldwide phenomenon of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Having been recognized in several publications and winning national and regional awards, he is also a Certified Meeting Planner and a Certified Professional Catering Executive.
With a desire to help guests expand their culinary horizons, Executive Chef John Botkin brings an extensive background in the restaurant industry to the Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of New England, he has held many impressive positions, including Executive Chef at both the Bellagio of Las Vegas and Casa Monica Resort & Spa. From his time spent along the Outer Banks, Coastal Carolinas and the Caribbean, Chef Botkin has developed a unique flair for preparing sustainable seafood and southern cuisine.
Directing the culinary team, Chef Botkin’s skills will be on display at Harvest & Reel, the resort’s signature restaurant.
With more than 20,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 5,200-square-foot, oceanfront ballroom with outdoor terraces, and expansive waterfront lawns for events, Botkin will provide exceptional selections for receptions, buffets and plated functions.
Situated just 10 minutes from historic downtown St. Augustine and adjacent to the iconic St. Augustine Pier, the Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort will offer 175 suites providing spacious accommodations and a zero-entry oceanfront pool. With Pier Park to the south and Anastasia State Park to the north, resort guests will also find plenty of off-property opportunities to relax, bike ride, surf, fish, paddleboard and more.
For more information, visit www.embassystaugustine.com or call 904-461-9004.
