Appointment: Director of F&B, Waldorf Astoria Orlando & Hilton Bonnet Creek
ORLANDO, FL. March 1, 2016 - Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, two premier hotels surrounded by the Walt Disney World® Resort, have appointed Jonathan M. Raz as director of food and beverage. With nearly 20 years of experience in food and banquet operations, Raz will manage the culinary program for the entire dual-hotel property, including 12 restaurant and bar outlets, in-room dining for 1,498 guest rooms and the extensive 175,000 square foot banquet facility.
“Jonathan's collaborative and creative nature coupled with his ability to foster imaginative and inventive leaders will make him an asset to our food and beverage operation,” said Peter Kacheris, managing director, Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. “His extensive experience and passion for innovative cuisine will inspire our culinary team to continue developing unforgettable dishes that solidify our position as one of the leading culinary destinations in Orlando.”
Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek are renowned for their diverse selections of refined menus at all 12 dining venues, including award-winning signature restaurants Bull & Bear® and La Luce, which feature modern, imaginative takes on traditional dishes. In his new role, Raz will work with more than 150 chefs and source quality ingredients to develop unforgettable meals and group menus, all while continuing to drive revenue through restaurant and bar innovations, enhancing the dual-hotel property's reputation for inspirational environments and customized experiences.
Raz has dedicated the majority of his career to the development of culinary programs at a variety of properties under in Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Most recently, he served as director of food and beverage for Hilton Orlando, where, under his leadership, the property was awarded Hilton Worldwide's highest honor, The Connie Award, three times during his five-year tenure - an unprecedented accolade. Prior to this position, Raz assisted with the opening of Hilton Baltimore, the city's largest and newest convention center hotel and also held the role of assistant director of banquets at Waldorf Astoria New York, where he gained comprehensive experience in complex banquet operations, overseeing the production of presidential dinners, galas and exclusive gatherings for up to 1,800 guests.
To learn more about or experience Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, please visit Waldorf Astoria Orlando's website or Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek's website.
About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is a portfolio of 25 landmark destinations, each being a true reflection of their surroundings in the world's most sought after locations. Unified by their inspirational environments and unparalleled guest service, Waldorf Astoria creates unique authentic moments through the delivery of True Waldorf Service. Personal concierges deliver unparalleled, bespoke service from the moment a guest books through check out. Waldorf Astoria is a part of Hilton Worldwide, a leading global hospitality company. Experience Waldorf Astoria by booking at www.waldorfastoria.com. Check out our social media channels @WaldorfAstoria (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook), and learn more about this expanding portfolio by visiting http://news.waldorfastoria.com.
About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
For nearly a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has been proudly welcoming the world's travelers. With more than 570 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts provides the foundation for memorable travel experiences and values every guest who walks through its doors. As the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide, Hilton Hotels & Resorts continues to set the standard for hospitality, providing new product innovations and services to meet guests' evolving needs. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is a part of the award-winning Hilton HHonors program. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels receive instant benefits, including an exclusive discount that can't be found anywhere else, free standard Wi-Fi and digital amenities like digital check-in with room selection and Digital Key available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app. Access the latest at news.hilton.com and begin your journey at www.hilton.com or www.hilton.com/offers for the latest hotel specials.
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, comprised of more than 4,600 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties with more than 758,000 rooms in 100 countries and territories. For 96 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of 13 world-class global brands includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn and Instagram.
CONTACTS:
Liz Weeden
Quinn PR (For Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek & Waldorf Astoria Orlando)
[email protected]
+1 212-868-1900 x253
Suzanne Stephan
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek & Waldorf Astoria Orlando
[email protected]
+1 407-597-3658
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 
