Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown announces the culinary leadership team for the highly-anticipated opening of Hilton’s first lifestyle property in Sioux Falls and first Canopy by Hilton in South Dakota expected to debut this December. Executive Chef Christopher (Chris) Hodapp and Director of Food & Beverage Jeren Melius have joined the hotel’s leadership team, bringing decades of experience to their new roles at the 216-room property where they will oversee food and beverage for the hotel’s nearly 20,000 square feet of event space, Torrent Coffee Bar, and Cascata Italian Cuisine.
Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown will offer views of historic Falls Park and its legendary waterfalls, as well as access to The Steel District, a dynamic and emerging cultural hub packed with entertainment options in downtown Sioux Falls. The property will feature two culinary outlets including Cascata Italian Cuisine serving rustic and traditional Italian flavors paired with an expertly curated wine menu and Torrent Coffee Bar featuring coffee and seasonal specialties.
“We are delighted to have both Chef Chris and Jeren leading the culinary team at Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown,” said Hristiyana Ralinova, general manager, Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown. “Both bring incredible experience to our team and are committed to delivering a bespoke dining experience for guests and locals alike. We look forward to opening our doors soon and becoming a culinary destination for visitors and our Sioux Falls community.”
Executive Chef Christopher Hodapp
Executive Chef Chris brings nearly 20 years of experience to Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown and leads the culinary team overseeing menu concepts and programming for catering and events, Cascata Italian Cuisine and Torrent Coffee Bar.
A native of Minnesota, Chef Chris’ passion for culinary and local sourcing began at an early age after spending his childhood on his family’s farm in Adrian, Minnesota growing various crops and raising cattle. He joins Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown from Rochester, Minnesota, where he previously held several culinary leadership positions with Power Ventures Hospitality Group since 2012. At Power Ventures Hospitality Group, he held the title of Corporate Executive Chef, where he was responsible for managing all the banquet and catering operations within the organization including Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area and Rochester Event Center. Before moving to Minnesota, Chef Chris spent five years in Sun Valley, Idaho where he held a variety of roles including Executive Banquet Sous Chef at Sun Valley Ski Resort. Chef Chris is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Minneapolis/St. Paul.
Director of Food & Beverage Jeren Melius
Melius brings more than 20 years of hospitality and customer service experience to his new role. He is responsible for all food and beverage operations at Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown including Cascata Italian Cuisine, Torrent Coffee Bar, and meetings and events.
Prior to joining Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown, he was the Food and Beverage Director of Royal River Casino and Hotel where he elevated guest satisfaction and enhanced revenue for the property’s dining experiences. Throughout his career, he’s held leadership roles with well-known brands including Buffalo Wild Wings and Caribou Coffee-Einstein Bagels. Melius received his foundational culinary training from the New York Restaurant School.
Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown is located at 120 E. 4th Place, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57104. The hotel is currently accepting reservations for December 15, 2024. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit Hilton.com or call 1-800-HILTONS.
Read more about Canopy by Hilton at Stories.Hilton.com.
