Wierzelewski Named Execchef at Foxwoods and MGM Grand at Foxwoods
JUNE 10, 2008. Foxwoods Resort Casino, North America's largest casino, has appointed veteran chef James Wierzelewski as the new executive chef at Foxwoods Resort Casino and the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. In his new role as executive chef, Wierzelewski will be responsible for managing all culinary operations for Foxwoods and the MGM Grand at Foxwoods including overseeing the day-to-day operations of 29 restaurants and lounges.
"We are thrilled to welcome Chef Wierzelewski to our team here at Foxwoods Resort Casino and the MGM Grand at Foxwoods," said Dennis Khanh, vice president of food and beverage for both properties. "With 20 years of experience working in France, Belgium, Thailand, Malaysia, Micronesia and the United States, we are confident that his worldly expertise in the kitchen will contribute to our continued culinary success and will bring amazing depth to our award-winning restaurants."
Wierzelewski cultivated his passion for food early in life beginning a two-year internship at the historic Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee at the age of 16. Following his internship Wierzelewski spent a decade with hotel restaurant innovator, Hyatt Hotels, opening several new restaurant concepts for the rapidly expanding Park Hyatt brand at locations across the United States.
Wierzelewski spent much of his career abroad working as an apprentice with world-renowned chefs, including Chef Roland Durand at the two-star Michelin-rated Le Pre Catalan in Paris and working in more than 18 restaurants, including: Ma Maison, a fine dining restaurant featuring innovative French cuisine in Bangkok, Thailand; Lafite, a traditional French fine dining restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Paulaner Brauhaus, a Bavarian microbrewery in Bangkok, Thailand; Miyako, a Japanese restaurant in the Mariana Islands; and stateside spots like The Wine Cellar, a modern French restaurant in Newport Beach, Calif.; and Parian, a culturally inspired fine dining restaurant in Las Vegas.
In addition Wierzelewski received several prestigious awards including the Golden Siam Award for best French Restaurant (Ma Maison) in Bangkok in 1993 and in Kuala Lumpur he received the Bonlac Great Chefs of Asia Award, naming him one of the Top Twelve Chefs of Asia in 1996. That same year he was also named Malaysia's Best Chef of the Year.
Wierzelewski has also worked as a consultant on many restaurant projects and opened a dozen new concepts; his most recent success being Vix at the Hotel Victor in South Beach, Miami, which Zagat awarded "Best New Restaurant/Newcomer 2005."
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
