Benchmark Appoints John Billings Exec Chef and Assistant Director of F&B
Benchmark's Eaglewood Resort & Spa, Itasca, Illinois
HOUSTON, TX, July 8, 2008. Benchmark Hospitality International has announced the appointment of John Billings, CEC, as executive chef and assistant director of food & beverage for Eaglewood Resort & Spa, located in Itasca, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. Greg Parsons, vice president, made the announcement.
"Chef Billings has passion, vision and creativity that feed the body and the mind," said Mr. Parsons. "With his innovative creations and healthy alternatives with interactive opportunities, Chef Billings has set a new standard with his culinary delights."
Executive Chef Billings is an industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience in building and leading culinary operations for fine dining, banquet and catering establishments. As executive chef and assistant food & beverage director, he is responsible for all culinary activities at Eaglewood Resort & Spa, including the property's extensive catering and meeting operations. In this role he also oversees Burnham's, the resort's signature restaurant, and Prairie River, the relaxed dining venue.
This appointment represents a return to Benchmark Hospitality and Eaglewood Resort & Spa for Chef Billings, having left three years ago to become an entrepreneur, opening his restaurant Monte's Steak House in Faribault, Minnesota. The successful restaurant featured an open kitchen and was situated in a circa 1854 warehouse. Chef Billing's subsequently sold his interest in the restaurant to return to his resort roots.
John Billings is a recognized leader in his field, having been honored for his outstanding work by numerous professional organizations. He is a Certified Executive Chef and was named American Culinary Federation Chapter Chef of the Year for 1997 and 2001 as well as Best of Show, Geneva Executive Club Annual Food Competition. He has also received six Gold Medals, four Silver Medals and two Bronze Medals in honor of his culinary talents from Arklatex Culinary Salon, Lafayette Culinary Salon and Baton Rouge Culinary Salon, respectively. Chef Billings resides in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin with his family.
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