ANAHEIM, Calif. (April 20, 2022) – Orange County’s largest property, Hilton Anaheim is proud to announce the promotion of chef Juan M. Lopez to executive chef. Building upon his 36-year tenure at the 1,572 room property, chef Lopez will continue to oversee all culinary operations for Hilton Anaheim’s 3 restaurants and catering services.
“We are delighted to announce chef Lopez’s well-deserved promotion to executive chef,” said Shaun Robinson, general manager of Hilton Anaheim. “His fresh approach and proven leadership skills are undoubtedly instrumental in offering new dining experiences and elevated culinary offerings to our guests.”
Chef Lopez specializes in creating dishes that are made from sustainable seafood and grass-fed animals such as beef and poultry. His love for the kitchen began when he was a young boy, watching his mother prepare dishes with farm-fresh ingredients, and her cooking style has influenced his culinary journey. In his new role, chef Lopez aims to build upon the property’s use of sustainable sourcing while expanding the hotel’s network of local purveyors. Drawing on his Mexican heritage, he plans to incorporate many of the styles, flavors, and techniques from his diverse culture including smoking and the creation of homestyle sauces into new menu items.
“I am thrilled to continue working with the very talented food and beverage teams here at Hilton Anaheim,” said Chef Lopez. “In my new role, I plan to integrate my passion for creativity, unique flavor profiles, and my signature cooking styles into new experiences and offerings for guests providing them with a taste of my home.”
Before joining Hilton Anaheim in 1985, chef Lopez began his culinary career in 1983 alongside European chefs, primarily in banquets, where he discovered his passion for culinary through large-scale meetings and events. During his career, he also taught California Cuisine in Switzerland in 2001 and most recently used the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to launch a catering business further building on his passion for banquet food preparation.
Chef Lopez’s enhancements to the culinary offerings can be found at the property’s fine dining establishment, MIX Restaurant, which offers guests a variety of imaginative dishes created from some of the finest organic and natural ingredients available in the region. Guests can also gather in the grand lobby to enjoy signature cocktails, a robust wine list, and a delectable menu of appetizers and plates at MIX Lounge. From May to September, the Pool Bar and Grill serves light snacks, burgers, and grilled selections in addition to fresh fruit and salads.
Hilton Anaheim also offers venue spaces to accommodate events of any size which are perfect for any occasion. Their award-winning kitchen and culinary teams offer an extensive catering menu with full service and buffet options for all palates and dietary specifications.
For more information about the culinary program or reservations, visit Hilton Anaheim or call +714-750-4321
For more information about Hilton Hotels & Resorts, please visit newsroom.hilton.com/hhr.
