CHEF OF THE YEAR
Hawks Cay Resort’s Executive Chef Named “Chef of the Year” by Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
DUCK KEY, Fla. – September 24, 2019 – William Ryan, executive chef of Hawks Cay Resort, was named “Chef of the Year” by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) during the organization’s Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala earlier this month. The annual awards program recognizes hospitality industry employees in Florida who have shown exemplary leadership and service in their area of expertise.
“No one is more deserving of the Chef of the Year award than Chef Ryan,” said Hawks Cay Resort Vice President and Managing Director Sheldon Suga. “From successfully building a team from the ground up for our Angler & Ale restaurant to reimagining all six of our culinary outlets after Hurricane Irma, Chef Ryan has set the standard for what we look for in a crew member and we’re honored to have him as a part of the Hawks Cay community.”
Executive Chef William Ryan has had more than 30 years of vast culinary experience in various parts of the world and has performed duties in all aspects of the culinary field. A true leader, Ryan mentors an average of 10 international interns every year that train with him to develop their own culinary skills. Besides creating memorable culinary experiences for guests, Chef Ryan aims to make an impact on those he encounters in and outside of the kitchen.
“It is a tremendous honor to be named the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Chef of the Year,” said Executive Chef William Ryan. “This award is a true testament to my commitment to delivering culinary excellence and I could not have accomplished this without my crew at Hawks Cay.”
Candidates for the FRLA Hospitality Stars of the Industry Awards are nominated by their peers with a panel of judges selecting the top three nominees in each category.
For the latest news and information on Hawks Cay Resort, visit www.hawkscay.com.
About Hawks Cay Resort
Hawks Cay Resort reopened in August 2018 following a $50 million renovation. A recipient of the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award and a member of the Preferred Hotel Group Lifestyle Collection, Hawks Cay Resort is located on Duck Key in the Middle Florida Keys. Situated roughly halfway between Key Largo and Key West at mile marker 61, this 60-acre, tropical destination is easily accessible by car, boat or plane yet feels worlds away from everyday life. Alongside the aquamarine water of the Atlantic Ocean, guests enjoy offshore, flats and backcountry fishing; diving; kayaking and standup paddle-boarding programs; Hawks Cay tennis program, and the only resort-based Dolphin Connection program with complimentary daily viewings in the continental U.S. The resort boasts 177 guestrooms and 250 two- and three-bedroom villas, a full-service marina, six restaurants, saltwater lagoon, five swimming pools, kid and teen clubs and the award-winning Calm Waters Spa. For more information, please visit https://www.hawkscay.com/.