CULINARY VETERAN JAMES O’DONNELL NAMED EXECUTIVE CHEF OF STKORLANDO AT DISNEY SPRINGS
James O’Donnell, who has led kitchens from Los Angeles to Jacksonville, has been named executive chef of STK Orlando at Disney Springs, The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc. announced today. Overseeing day-to-day kitchen operations at the two-level, 15,000-square-foot steakhouse – one of the largest STK restaurants in the world – O’Donnell brings impressive credentials to his new role.
From successfully apprenticing at dining venues in Las Vegas, O’Donnell was courted by the House of Blues restaurant in LA and became executive chef in 1997. Other stops included executive chef of Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse in the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut, where he managed three eastern U.S. locations; director of culinary operations for Cornerstone Management and Consulting, overseeing eight restaurants in the U.S and Mexico; and partner and executive chef at The Capital Grille in Jacksonville, Fla. In 2011, O’Donnell returned to Cornerstone to direct culinary operations, including developing menus for ENO Wine Bars.
“STK’s entrance into the Orlando market, and specifically into the newly reimagined Disney Springs, affords us a unique opportunity and we are very happy to have brought James onboard to oversee our culinary operations at the property,” said Jonathan Segal, CEO of The ONE Group.
O’Donnell brings international culinary experience honed over two decades to his new role at STK, as well as a passion for creating the ultimate dining scene. At STK Orlando, he will oversee two kitchens and approximately 70 employees.
A native of San Diego, California, O’Donnell spends time with his family cooking outdoors over an open fire, enjoying new cuisines in various restaurants and hotels, and his hobbies include both hiking and kayaking.
STK Orlando, a modern steakhouse with the ambience of a sleek lounge, is planned to open this spring at Disney Springs, a world-class dining-retail-entertainment experience.
About STK
STK is a unique concept that artfully blends the modern steakhouse and chic lounge into one, offering a dynamic, fine dining experience with the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse. STK distinguishes itself by focusing on the social experience with a sleek, contemporary design and an in-house DJ who creates an infectious, high-energy vibe. The menu features reimagined classic American cuisine with signature dishes like bite-sized Lil¹ BRGs made with Wagyu beef, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and, of course, the highest quality steak. STK defines the modern fine dining experience with incredible food, world-class service and the perfect atmosphere. STK has locations in New York City, Washington DC, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, London, and Milan with additional locations coming soon to Dallas, Toronto, and Orlando. For more information about STK, please visit www.stkhouse.com.
About The ONE Group
The ONE Group is a global hospitality company that develops and operates upscale, high-energy restaurants and lounges and provides hospitality management services for hotels, casinos and other high-end venues both nationally and internationally. The ONE Group’s primary restaurant brand is STK, a modern twist on the American steakhouse concept with locations in major metropolitan cities throughout the U.S. and in London. STK Rebel, a more accessibly priced STK with a broader menu, is an extension of the STK brand. The ONE Group’s food and beverage hospitality services business, ONE Hospitality, provides the development, management and operations for premier restaurants and turn-key food and beverage services within high-end hotels and casinos. Additional information about The ONE Group can be found at www.togrp.com.
About Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a one-of-a-kind Disney experience, treating guests by day and night to great dining, shopping and entertainment amid beautiful open-air promenades, flowing springs and waterfront charm. Offering an air of sophisticated grace and design that harkens to Florida¹s waterfront towns at the turn-of-the-century, Disney Springs is home to four distinct, outdoor neighborhoods: The Landing, Town Center, Marketplace and West Side. Nearing completion in 2016, Disney Springs has been undergoing the largest expansion in its history to double and diversify its shopping, dining and entertainment offerings. Disney Springs is part of Walt Disney World Resort, the number one family vacation destination in the world, located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
