The Plaza Announces Geoffrey Zakarian as Culinary Director
New York - August 7, 2013 - Sant Singh Chatwal, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sahara Hampshire Hotel Management LLC, is pleased to announce that effective August 1, 2013, Geoffrey Zakarian will be named Culinary Director of The Plaza, New York City's most iconic hotel. Mr. Chatwal said, “When deciding who would lead The Plaza's new food and beverage program, Geoffrey was an obvious choice. He is the quintessential New Yorker and his taste, style and vision will greatly enhance the experience we are able to offer our guests.”
Under Zakarian's guidance, The Palm Court, The Oak Room & The Oak Bar, The Rose Club, The Champagne Bar and in-room dining will be reimagined. The roll out of the aforementioned venues will begin in the first quarter of 2014. “I am thrilled to be a part of this historic landmark,” said Zakarian. “I plan on creating an authentic experience for New Yorkers and visitors that will capture the timeless glamour of The Plaza.”
Zakarian's illustrious career has spanned many of New York's most legendary kitchens including Le Cirque, the “21” Club, 44 at the Royalton Hotel, Patroon, The National Bar & Dining Rooms and The Lambs Club restaurant in The Chatwal New York Hotel, where Chatwal and Zakarian are currently partners.
“We are honored Geoffrey will be joining our talented and dynamic food and beverage team,” said George Cozonis, The Plaza's newly appointed Managing Director. “We will undoubtedly be making memories in 2014 and beyond.”
Since 1907, The Plaza has been an international icon of splendor and luxury. Geoffrey Zakarian will join The Plaza's existing culinary partners, The Plaza Food Hall, The Todd English Food Hall and CPS Events at The Plaza, reinforcing the hotel's preeminence as a world-renowned hospitality destination.
About The Plaza
Timeless, captivating and unforgettable, The Plaza is where memories are made. The passionate and uncompromising service which made the hotel a legend has been re-ignited with a new and contemporary spirit. The Plaza is an extraordinary hotel and a true Urban Resort destination that offers guests every indulgence, featuring The Shops at the Plaza, La Palestra, Caudalie Vinotherapie® Spa, the flagship Warren-Tricomi Salon and the Eloise Shop. The Palm Court provides a quintessential New York experience, and the opulent Grand Ballroom continues to host the world's most memorable events. The Plaza is also home to the elegant Champagne Bar, the ever-stylish Rose Club, and The Plaza Food Hall, a 30,000 square foot culinary experience anchored by The Todd English Food Hall. Designated a New York City Landmark in 1969, it is also the only New York City hotel to be designated as a National Historic Landmark. The Plaza is managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
For reservations and additional information, please call 888-240-7775 or visit www.theplazany.com.
About Geoffrey
Geoffrey Zakarian's passion for fine cuisine has defined his career, which has spanned more than 20 years. Geoffrey is the chef and owner of The Lambs Club and The National Bar & Dining Rooms in New York City. He is the author of Town/Country and was awarded three stars for his previous restaurants: Patroon, Town and Country. Zakarian oversees the food and beverage program at The Water Club at Borgata in Atlantic City. In 2011, he won Food Network's “The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs” and appears regularly on “Iron Chef America,” “Chopped” and “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” Zakarian is also the host of Sirius XM's “Food Talk” radio show. In May 2013, he opened Ocean Blue, Ocean Blue on the Waterfront and The Raw Bar on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Breakaway. Zakarian will also bring these concepts aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Getaway in 2014. Most recently, in August 2013, Zakarian was named Culinary Director at The Plaza, New York City's most iconic hotel.
For more on Chef Geoffrey Zakarian visit www.geoffreyzakarian.com and follow him on Twitter: @GZChef
About Hampshire Hotels Management, LLC
A leader in managed properties worldwide, Hampshire Hotels Management, LLC owns and manages hotels in New York and Miami as well as the United Kingdom, Thailand and India. Founded by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sant Singh Chatwal, the New York-based company owns over 3,000 hotel rooms and oversees the development and expansion of both its luxury and lifestyle brands, including Dream Hotels, Night Hotels and The Chatwal.
Hampshire Hotels Management is committed to offering travelers an authentic connection to their chosen destination through modern and innovative hospitality design, premier service and locally relevant food and beverage operations. The company's strong brand relationships with global hotel franchises such as Wyndham Hotel Group, Hilton Worldwide, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Leading Hotels and Resorts, Preferred Hotels and Resorts and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts strengthens its ability to achieve its growth potential and expand its portfolio in the four- and five-star franchised hotel market. Hampshire Hotels Management is the exclusive manager of food and beverage at The Plaza.
Hampshire Hotels Management, LLC's corporate offices are located at 1251 Avenue of the Americas in New York's historic Rockefeller Center.
About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a celebrated collection of more than 65 luxury properties around the globe, including Shanghai's Fairmont Peace Hotel, The Plaza in New York, and Makkah Clock Royal Tower in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The luxury brand's distinctive hotels offer a sense of heritage and sophistication, warm, engaging service and culturally rich experiences. Fairmont balances the company's economic, environmental and social priorities and provides the framework for responsible hotel operations through the Sustainability Partnership program. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Holdings Limited, a leading global hotel company with over 100 hotels under the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissotel brands. The company also manages Fairmont, Raffles and Swissotel branded luxury private residences club, whole-ownership residences and serviced residences properties. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit fairmont.com.
Become a fan of Fairmont. Join our online communities at everyonesanoriginal.com, facebook.com/fairmonthotels, twitter.com/fairmonthotels, and pinterest.com/fairmonthotels/. For career opportunities, visit facebook.com/fairmontcareers.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
