Branson Hilton Hires New Executive Chef

Executive chef named for Hilton facilities in Branson Published Springfield News-Leader 6/25/07 Branson - Hiltons of Branson has named Nathan Read as executive chef of the Branson Convention Center, the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel and the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing. Read will oversee catering services, coffee shops, food kiosks and kitchen operations for all three properties, including two full-service restaurants – the Liberty Tavern Restaurant, a Hilton signature restaurant located inside the Hilton Promenade, and Trofi, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located inside the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. Read, who joined Hilton in 2002, is a veteran of two previous Hilton openings in Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash. Under Read's direction, the Hilton Vancouver emerged as one of a handful of Hilton properties in which food and beverage revenues exceeded room revenues. "We are thrilled to have a pro like Chef Read on our team," said Mark Hartman, general manager of Hiltons of Branson. "His background as both an executive chef and a manager means he understands the importance of giving Hilton guests a first-class experience at every meal." Read grew up in the Pacific Northwest where he developed an early appreciation for fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple, straightforward cuisine. As a child, he and his father fished the Puget Sound and nearby lakes for wild salmon and trout. At home, he developed a taste for fresh vegetables from his mother's garden. "I believe passionately in the importance of using the best local ingredients in my cooking," Read said. "Hilton shares that commitment, which is why I'm so excited about the menus we're developing for our Branson properties. We can't wait to give our guests a taste of the Midwest." The Branson Convention Center, which Hilton will manage for the city of Branson, and the 294-room Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, will open Aug. 17, 2007. The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing, a 242-room boutique hotel, opened Feb. 14, 2007. Hilton operates nearly 500 hotels on six continents. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com