Florida's 196-room Plantation on Crystal River Appoints Bill Strickland Director of Food & Beverage
CRYSTAL RIVER, FL - September 30, 2014 - The Plantation on Crystal River - a hidden gem on Florida's Nature Coast - has appointed Bill Strickland as new director of food and beverage of the 196-room resort. In this position, Strickland will lead the food and beverage team and oversee the four primary restaurant outlets including: West 82º Bar & Grill, the upscale in-house restaurant known for their seafood and prime rib entrees prepared using the finest natural ingredients; West 82º Bar, a contemporary lounge serving craft cocktails, wine and beer located just off the lobby; 19th Hole Bar & Grill, an ideal spot for breakfast, lunch, a beer or cocktails while enjoying the 27-holes at Plantation Golf course; and Plantation Tiki Bar conveniently located alongside the large lagoon-style pool directly on King's Bay. In addition to the restaurants, Strickland will draw on his extensive hospitality experience to direct the resort's special event operations within the 12,000 square feet of meeting space.
Prior to joining the Plantation, Strickland was most recently the director of food and beverage for Sea Crest Beach Hotel, a sister property of Plantation on Crystal River managed by Scout Hotels and Resorts.
"Based on his lengthy tenure within the Scout Hotels family and track record in the industry, we are very confident in Bill's abilities to successfully direct and elevate the food and beverage services at Plantation on Crystal River," said Michael Mancke, general manager of Plantation on Crystal River.
Strickland also has experience serving as the assistant food and beverage director at Ocean Edge Resort & Club in Brewster, Mass., director of food and beverage for Starwood Hotels & Resorts' Four Points by Sheraton, Hyannis, Mass. and also held positions at Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham, Mass. and The Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, Fla. He launched his career in 1984 at the award-winning Cloister Hotel in Sea Island, Ga. where he held a variety of management positions over his 13 years including banquet captain and food and beverage manager. For more information on Plantation on Crystal River, visit PlantationonCrystalRiver.com or call 800-632-6262.
About Plantation on Crystal River
The eco-friendly Plantation on Crystal River is surrounded by the natural springs of King's Bay and pristine lakes and rivers, as well as wildlife refuges and state parks. On site, the Plantation features a full-service marina, 18-hole golf course, 9-hole executive course, Aveda spa, delectable dining and inviting accommodations.
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