Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa Welcomes Jesse Mcdannell as Executive Chef
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, the premier Arizona desert resort located at the base of the McDowell Mountains, welcomes Jesse McDannell as Executive Chef. In his role, McDannell will oversee the dining experiences at the resort as it completes a $110 million renovation and transformation to a Grand Hyatt property.
"We are thrilled to welcome Jesse McDannell to the incredible team at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale," said Lance Marrin, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa. "Jesse's extensive experience working in the hospitality industry paired with his passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences and his focus on guiding and supporting his team, makes him an invaluable asset to our team. We look forward to seeing his vision come to life during this exciting new chapter for our hotel."
Originally from New York, McDannell traveled around the world as a child as his father was an Army Officer. His first job in the kitchen was as a short-order cook at the West Point Golf Course at the Military Academy at West Point.
After graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Culinary Arts from the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, McDannell began working with Hyatt in July 2006 as a Corporate Management Trainee at Grand Hyatt DFW in Texas. He was quickly promoted to Chef Tournant at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio followed by Executive Sous Chef at Grand Hyatt Buckhead in Atlanta, Ga. McDannell then went on to his firs Executive Chef appointment at Hyatt Escala Lodge in Park City, Utah. McDannell has also served as Executive Chef at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead in Atlanta as well as the opening Executive Chef at the Grand Hyatt SFO, which was recognized during his tenure as the Top Airport Hotel in North America by SkyTraxx.
McDannell is also responsible for working with the Hyatt Corporate offices to develop the "Mentoring Our Future" series designed to help young chefs lead fulfilling careers within the organization.
"I am honored to be selected as the Executive Chef at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa during this exciting time," said Jesse McDannell. "I look forward to taking my experience and utilizing my skillset to effectively transition the hotel to a Grand Hyatt while keeping the values and culture that has been established by so many talented leaders that have paved the way. I am committed to fostering an environment of growth and development and to assist in getting the future leaders of hospitality prepared for their next roles. I'm also excited to live in and explore our amazing landscapes, outdoor opportunities, and unique climate of Arizona."
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