DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, Fla. (July 7, 2022) – Max Beach Resort has announced the appointment of Sarah Mankie as executive chef at the newly opened property (June 2022) located oceanfront (1901 S. Atlantic Avenue) overlooking a renowned stretch of east coast Florida shoreline. Drawing on her strong southern heritage, the Virginia native will direct culinary operations at the resort’s Venn Bar, and oversee menus, staff and meal preparation for executive meetings and special events.
“We love Sarah’s background and philosophy in culinary arts, which pair perfectly with our passion for exceptional cuisine and exemplary guest service,” said General Manager Libby Gallant. “Her southern roots and flair for fun will make Sarah a tremendous asset at Max Beach Resort.”
Working for more than two decades in the restaurant industry, Mankie grew up cooking alongside her mother and grandmother near the Appalachian Mountains, where she learned many southern cooking traditions and secrets. As she develops the menu offerings at Max Beach Resort, she plans to give an elevated twist to southern staples like Duke’s Mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, Alabama BBQ sauce, Tabasco, pickles, and more. Mankie’s cooking style includes the use of clean flavors, traditional favorites, and bright colors in creations that blend the whimsical with the nostalgic. In addition to specialty items, guests at Max Beach Resort will find all-time fan favorites such as smash burgers, coastal salads, and timeless handhelds.
Mankie was most recently chef de cuisine at the Corkscrew Bar and Grille in historic downtown New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where she coordinated all culinary operations for the local-favorite restaurant. Mankie previously trained under executive chefs at the Shenandoah Club, the oldest continuously operating private club in Virginia, and Vintage Tavern, known for its seasonal southern offerings in a dramatic setting in Suffolk, Virginia. She also spent eight years in kitchen management for a national corporate restaurant.
The 12-story Max Beach Resort is a new concept in the evolving hospitality landscape, with 72 spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom residence-style suites and an array of lifestyle features and amenities for a new generation of leisure and business travelers. The resort’s oceanfront Venn Bar offers a relaxed, open-air environment with all-day dining and pool service, signature drinks and local favorites. All residences at Max Beach Resort include private baths and generous outdoor living space, with a contemporary design that maximizes efficiency and showcases beachfront views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Upscale resort amenities include a fully stocked residential kitchen, an oceanfront pool with private cabanas, bicycle rentals, and a unique sky-level training center and lifestyle lounge.
For business and social gatherings, the resort offers sunrise and sunset event terraces, and a ground-level hospitality suite and deck area, all offering hi-touch experiences, including on-site, full-service, and customizable catering options.
For more information on Max Beach Resort or to book a reservation, visit MaxDaytona.com.
