GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—This September, the historic Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids will open its doors to The Kitchen and The Kitchen Counter by Wolfgang Puck, the newest culinary concepts from the award-winning chef. Featuring seating along the Grand River, both eateries will offer an approachable menu for hotel guests and locals alike.
Austin Gresham will serve as the executive chef and will oversee culinary development at both The Kitchen and The Kitchen Counter. Previously, Gresham worked in a number of fine dining establishments including Grant Achatz’s Alinea, the three-starred Michelin restaurant in Chicago, as well as Sixteen at Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago. Most recently, Gresham worked in the kitchen of Butch’s Dry Dock in Holland, Mich.
“At The Kitchen and The Kitchen Counter by Wolfgang Puck, diners can look forward to signature Wolfgang Puck dishes that incorporate techniques and flavors from around the world, all executed at the highest level,” says Gresham. “It is an exciting honor to work on a project that will change the culinary landscape of Grand Rapids.”
Overseeing food and beverage and operations for both restaurants is General Manager David Martin. Martin previously served as the assistant general manager of the Amway Grand Plaza’s various dining options including GP Sports, The Lumber Baron Bar, and the Garden Court Lounge.
Parker Bulliment and Lori McBride also join the team as assistant general managers, supervising the front of house experience for The Kitchen, while Manager Nick Haughton will oversee operations of The Kitchen Counter.
Together, the new management team is working closely with Wolfgang Puck’s corporate culinary development and operations teams to ensure that the integrity of the brand is deeply embedded in every facet of these exciting new properties.
