ST. PETE BEACH, Fla.
The Don CeSar announced the appointment of Michael Molloy as executive chef. Molloy, who began his career at The Don CeSar 15 years ago, comes full circle to lead the culinary team of the 277-room historic hotel.
In his new role, Molloy oversees all aspects of The Don CeSar’s food & beverage program, ensuring culinary excellence across the hotel’s restaurants, including the award-winning Maritana Grille, as well as the property’s lounges, in-room dining and banquet offerings. He will also lead the reinvention of the culinary program of sister property, Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar.
“It’s serendipitous that Chef Molloy returns to the place where he first began, and we are pleased to welcome him home to The Don CeSar,” Richard Staley, general manager said.
Prior to his return to The Don CeSar, Molloy served as executive chef of the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. His resume also includes positions at the AAA Four Diamond Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harbourside Place in Jupiter, Fla., and Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Fla., where he helped oversee the renowned deep blu seafood grille, focused on local produce and sustainable seafood, at both properties.
“It’s an honor to return to my roots at The Don CeSar, now with several more years of experience behind me,” said Molloy. “I can’t wait to make my mark in the kitchen that launched my career.”
The Don CeSar opened at the height of the Great Gatsby era in 1928. Known as Florida’s iconic “Pink Palace,” the property is a National Historic Landmark and member of the Historic Hotels of America. The hotel features 277 guest rooms, six restaurants and lounges and 22,000 square feet of indoor function space as well as more than 16,000 square feet of outdoor space.
