Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has a new leader in its kitchen. Matthew Sowers, who served as chef de cuisine at the MICHELIN-starred restaurant, has been promoted to executive chef of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Miguel Santeliz, a three-year veteran of Victoria & Albert's, steps into the chef de cuisine role.
Sowers will report to Culinary Director Scott Hunnel, who led Victoria & Albert's for more than 25 years. In his new position, Sowers oversees culinary operations across all 13 food and beverage locations at the Grand Floridian. He will continue to have a hand in the menu at Victoria & Albert's.
Sowers has spent more than 20 years at Victoria & Albert's, working his way up from cook to chef de cuisine before this latest promotion.
"True to the continual evolution of Victoria & Albert's, my new role as executive chef will allow me to guide the future of the restaurant alongside Chef Miguel Santeliz while also broadening my impact across the talented culinary team at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa," said Sowers.
Santeliz joined Walt Disney World through the Professional Management Program as a sous chef intern. Over two decades, he worked at several signature dining locations, including, Trattoria al Forno at Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney's Yacht Club Resort, and Topolino's Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort.
He has been at Victoria & Albert's for the past three years, working closely with Sowers. He also contributed to the menus for Remy aboard Disney Cruise Line, collaborating with three-MICHELIN-star Chef Arnaud Lallement of L'Assiette Champenoise.
"Victoria & Albert's has built an incredible legacy, and it's a true honor to carry that forward," said Santeliz. "I'm humbled by the responsibility, excited to lead this talented team, and eager to keep pushing the boundaries of creativity."
As chef de cuisine, Santeliz now leads the Victoria & Albert's kitchen team.
Victoria & Albert's remains the most decorated restaurants in the Walt Disney World Resort, holding a MICHELIN star and consistently ranking among the top fine dining experiences in Central Florida.
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