Charles Albanos, Jr. Appointed Executive Chef at Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort

    /24-7PressRelease/ - MARCO ISLAND, FL, December 07, 2007 - Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is pleased to announce Executive Chef Charles Albanos, Jr. as the latest addition to the resort's dynamic culinary team. A Marriott veteran since 1990, Albanos brings over 17 years of hands-on food and beverage experience to the Naples beach hotel.

In his new role, Albanos will oversee the diverse menus of all six of the hotel's Marco Island restaurants including the elegant, pan-Asian-influenced Kurrents; the beachside bistro and bar Quinn's on the Beach; the authentic brick-oven pizzeria 400 Pazzi's; the casual island fare of Tropiks restaurant; the fresh baked pastries at Caf San Marco and The Rookery Steakhouse, located in the Clubhouse at The Rookery golf course.

Albanos will also direct the culinary team's growing number of private events, banquets and group functions, which comprise more than 50 percent of the resort's business. Catering sales for the resort top $9 million annually.

"We are fortunate to have such an accomplished and innovative chef leading our skilled culinary team," said Rick Medwedeff, general manager of the Marco Island resort. "His unique culinary approach will continue to position the hotel as top culinary choice for guests and the local community alike."

Prior to joining the Naples resort, Albanos served as the executive chef of the JW Marriott Hotel Buckhead Atlanta. Throughout his tenure with Marriott International, Albanos has worn many hats in the kitchen including executive chef of the Renaissance Pineisle Resort & Golf Club in Buford, Georgia, executive sous chef at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, and several other posts. A noted favorite among dining guests, Albanos has maintained a top-ten rating in guest satisfaction for Marriott's central region over the past three years.

Albanos received a degree in culinary arts from the New York Institute of Technology.

About Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort
Nestled on three miles of pristine southwest Florida white sand beaches, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is the perfect island within an island escape. Caressed by tropical breezes and inspired by a Balinese sense of harmony, balance and hospitality, this is simply, paradise found. From the magnificent new Quinn's Pool, surrounded by lush landscaping and outdoor dining and meeting spaces, to our elegant spa, private resort Rookery Golf Course, and our luxurious rooms and lanai suites that overlook the dazzling Gulf of Mexico, the luxury Naples hotel is the sanctuary for relaxation, rejuvenation, discovery and play. Our attentive concierge service, choice of shopping, dining and recreational activities makes Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort the choice for unforgettable family vacations and memorable business meetings. For more information, please visit our website.

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