Salamander Hotels & Resorts has named Robert McGrattan as the new Executive Chef at Hotel Bennett in Charleson, SC. The North Carolina native is returning to the Carolinas with a focus on further enhancing the dining experience at Gabrielle, the hotel’s signature restaurant.
Hotel Bennett was recently named the best luxury hotel in the country by USA TODAY readers, while Gabrielle is Charleston’s only restaurant opening in Marion Square, the largest alfresco dining space in town. It can be reached via the park or via the Hotel Bennett.
McGrattan’s extensive culinary experience spans a 16-year career in some of the country’s most famous kitchens and hotels, including his final role as Executive Chef at The Sagamore Pendry Baltimore. While at Pendry, he enhanced the dining experience in the hotel’s many restaurants, including Rec Pier Chophouse and The Cannon Room. McGrattan previously served as Executive Sous Chef at legendary Peabody Memphis, where gourmet restaurant Chez Philippe received a coveted Forbes four-star rating. He also redesigned the kitchen and menu at Capriccio Grill, the hotel’s renowned steakhouse.
“I firmly believe that food beats anything in life,” said McGrattan. “I put my soul into my kitchen to enrich the lives of others and I look forward to sharing my cuisine and philosophy with the Charlestonians while recognizing the city’s famous culinary heritage.”
McGrattan, an Asheville, NC native, developed an appreciation for a variety of techniques during his culinary training with Johnson & Wales in Charlotte. He honed his craft at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville, held positions as sous-chef and head chef, and received several honors, including an invitation from the James Beard Foundation for menu development. He also had the opportunity to oversee the James Beard Foundation’s annual dinner.
Chris King – Chief Development Officer
July 31, 2019 – Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the luxury hotel company founded by Sheila Johnson, has named Chris King as Chief Development Officer. Working with Salamander’s executive team, King is responsible for developing and executing new business development strategies aimed at supporting the continued growth of the company’s luxury portfolio through third-party managed hotels and resorts in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean and increasing the number increase salamander branded properties.
John Speers – Vice President of Operations
May 23, 2018 – Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the luxury hotel company founded by Sheila Johnson, has named John Speers as its new Vice President of Operations. Prior to joining Salamander, Speers was Senior Vice President at Capital Properties, where he oversaw a number of luxury properties including the Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, MA and the Inn at Perry Cabin in St.
