USA, Charlotte, North Carolina. August 17, 2020

New York award-winning chef and restaurateur David Burke is expanding south with plans to open SkyBar by David Burke rooftop on Friday, August 7 and RedSalt by David Burke later this summer at Le Méridien in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"Over the years, I have had the opportunity to connect with the Charlotte community through friends and family, and I have been impressed by not only the growth, but the city's diverse and vibrant culture, culinary and mixology scene," says chef Burke. "While it has been an interesting year, food continues to bring people together and I look forward to welcoming everyone to share a meal with us at RedSalt and SkyBar."

Located on the rooftop surrounded by views of the Charlotte skyline, SkyBar by David Burke (www.skybarbydb.com) will showcase chef Burke's modern American cuisine with light bites that include some signature dishes such as David Burke maple pepper bacon clothesline, emotional lobster dumplings and crabcake rafts. Signature cocktails will complement the food menu, which will also be available poolside.

Off the lobby, RedSalt by David Burke (www.redsaltbydb.com) will provide a dining experience that includes cuts of steak prepared using chef Burke's patented Himalayan sea salt dry-aging technique. Additionally, appetizers, entrees and sides will highlight locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. The space, formerly occupied by Evoke, will match the innovative food and beverage program with an upbeat atmosphere set among unique artwork specifically curated by chef Burke.

Chef Burke became the executive chef of New York City's legendary River Café at the age of 26 where he was awarded a coveted three-star New York Times review and was the first American chef ever to win the prestigious Meilleurs Ouvriers de France Diplome d'Honneur. Since, chef Burke has received numerous honors, including Japan's Nippon Award for Excellence, the Robert Mondavi Award of Excellence and two nominations in the James Beard Foundation Award's Best Chef category. He has become a familiar guest on Bravo TV's "Top Chef" and is the author of two cookbooks, "Cooking with David Burke" and "David Burke's New American Classics.'

Currently, Chef Burke and his partners at David Burke Hospitality Management (www.chefdavidburke.com) own and operate 14 restaurants across the country in New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C. and Colorado. Additionally, David Burke Hospitality Management owns and manages, licenses and consults with restaurants, hotels, clubs and schools around the world.

"We are thrilled to welcome chef Burke and his team to Le Méridien Charlotte with the reopening of our rooftop, now the reimagined SkyBar by David Burke," stated Mariah Scott, General Manager at Le Méridien Charlotte. "His groundbreaking culinary technique is world renowned and his vision for elegant, yet approachable dining is truly aligned with Le Méridien. Our hope is to safely and cautiously bring back the warm spirit of Charlotte hospitality while giving local and transient guests alike a one-of-a-kind experience for this summer and beyond."

To celebrate the reopening of its pool and the introduction of its new food and beverage programming, Le Méridien is offering a special "state-cation" promotion - Carolinas: Book Early and Save - offering up to 20% off weekend stays for local residents, where the hotels reimagined complex pool will offer a secluded retreat in the Queen City. Spacious private cabanas surround the pool area, offering reprieve from the hot summer sun while duly promoting a safe distance from fellow guests.

In accordance with North Carolina's extension of Phase Two and adhering to Marriott International's new cleanliness standards, Le Méridien has implemented stringent protocols, such as cleaning all surfaces in guest rooms and public spaces with hospital-grade disinfectants, installing hand sanitizer stations and limiting capacity to enforce social distancing.

For more information on Le Méridien Charlotte or to book a reservation, call 704.372.9610 or visitwww.mariott.com/hotels/travel/cltmd-le-meridien-charlotte/.