A Promising Start to 2024: The Omni Homestead Resort Embarks on Phase of Impressive Growth with New Appointments
Hot Springs, VA (April 2, 2024) –The Omni Homestead Resort [1] is
commencing a phase of dynamic growth with the addition of five highly
revered professionals to its talented leadership team with a new
executive chef, executive pastry chef, spa director, golf course
superintendent, and national sales manager. These appointments signify a
pivotal step for America’s first resort as the property continues to
enhance its guest experiences following the momentous completion of its
$150 million-dollar property-wide renovation this past fall.
“After recruiting hospitality talent from across the country, we are
thrilled to welcome a pool of experienced individuals who bring immense
expertise to their respective positions,” says Mark Spadoni, the
managing director of The Omni Homestead Resort. “Throughout our
250-year history, unmatched service has always been at the forefront of
our guest experience and we look forward to evolving our established
programs to the next level with these industry veterans at the helm.”
Key Appointments:
· Chef Michael Zmigrodski steps into the position of executive
chef at The Omni Homestead Resort. With over two decades of experience,
the New Jersey native initiated his culinary journey at the Institute of
Culinary Education in New York City. He immersed himself in refining his
craft, gaining valuable experience in kitchens of renowned restaurant
groups such as Union Square Hospitality Group, Thomas Keller Restaurant
Group, and EMM Restaurant Group. A career transition, Chef Michael
explored new territory and cultivated new leadership skills as he headed
culinary teams at Turning Stone Casino Resort in Verona, New York,
Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant, Oklahoma, and most recently at Omni
Oklahoma City. Fueled by a passion for culinary excellence, Chef Michael
brings his unparalleled dining experience across the ten culinary
establishments at The Omni Homestead Resort.
· Chef Pablo Rodriguez takes on the role of executive pastry
chef at The Omni Homestead Resort. Hailing from Puerto Rico, Chef Pablo
pursued his passion for desserts by studying international baking and
pastry at the Instituto de Banca in Comercio, Puerto Rico. Throughout
his illustrious career, he’s held key positions at acclaimed
restaurants and hotels, culminating in his recent role as general
manager of operations and pastry chef at Ghyslain Chocolatier, a
boutique chocolatier located in Union City, Indiana. As executive pastry
chef, he will play a pivotal role in curating a menu featuring
delectable and visually stunning pastries, desserts, and confections.
His culinary expertise is sure to delight the palates of both leisure
guests and groups, further enhancing the gastronomic experience at The
Omni Homestead Resort.
· Audrey Zmigrodski assumes the role of spa director. Bringing
25 years of expertise in the ever-evolving wellness landscape,
Audrey’s progression from a lead massage therapist at Skana Spa,
Turning Stone Casino & Resort in Verona, NY, to director of spa at
Mokara Spa in Omni Oklahoma City, to her current role with The Omni
Homestead Resort, showcases her commitment to service and a relentless
pursuit of excellence. A native of New York, Audrey’s hospitality
experience goes beyond the spa having held multiple positions in the
culinary and fine dining industry. As spa director, she’ll be
responsible for overseeing the state-of-the-art facility and fostering
enthusiasm for training and development within the team to ensure a
transformative spa experience for guests.
· Tyler Minamyer serves as the award-winning property’s golf
course superintendent, bringing a rich background in the golf industry.
Hailing from Ohio, Tyler’s journey began at his family’s nine-hole
course, igniting his passion for the sport and inspiring him to pursue a
career in golf management. He developed a strong foundation in turf
management through his tenure with the maintenance team at Dunes Golf &
Beach Club, where he was able to hone in on his skills over the years.
Renowned for his coaching prowess and adept team management, Tyler
attributes his success to the nearly 25 years he has dedicated to
International Golf Maintenance. Beyond his role, Tyler excels in project
management and has been a key player in guiding numerous courses toward
achieving environmental certification from the Audubon Cooperative
Sanctuary Program. His commitment to excellence and environmental
stewardship shines through in the strides he’s already begun to make
since arriving on the property.
· Juan Ayala brings a wealth of experience to his new role as
national sales manager at The Omni Homestead Resort. His journey in the
hospitality industry commenced humbly as a busboy at an Embassy Suites
in Southern California. Alongside his hotel career, Juan pursued higher
education, earning a business marketing degree from California State
University, Fullerton. Throughout his career, Juan has held pivotal
sales manager positions at esteemed establishments such as Hilton Irvine
in California, Buttes Marriott in Tempe, Arizona, South Seas Island
Resort in Captiva Island, Florida, and most recently at Colonial
Williamsburg Resorts in Williamsburg, Virginia. Juan’s extensive
experience has endowed him with a profound understanding of sales
strategies and his arrival promises to infuse the team at The Omni
Homestead Resort with a dynamic blend of expertise, dedication, and
passion, ensuring continued success for the resort.
For more information on The Omni Homestead Resort or to book, visit
TheOmniHomestead.com [1]
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About The Omni Homestead Resort
Welcoming travelers since 1766, The Omni Homestead Resort is one of
America’s most iconic resorts, offering genuine hospitality and
memorable experiences in a 2,300-acre setting within the Allegheny
Mountains of southwestern Virginia. The resort is distinguished by 483
guest rooms and suites, 76,000 square feet of meeting space, an array of
fine and casual dining choices, and more than 30 recreational
activities. An expansive, luxurious spa with an exclusive, adults-only
Serenity Garden and two championship golf courses including The
Cascades, one of the nation’s finest mountain courses, are among the
resort’s most sought-after amenities. Family-friendly attractions such
as a ski area, Equestrian Center, Shooting Club, falconry, mountain
biking trails, water slides and lazy river are also available. The
Homestead became part of Omni Hotels & Resorts on July 1, 2013. For more
information or to book accommodations, visit TheOmniHomestead.com [1] or
call 1-800-The-Omni.
About Omni Hotels & Resorts:
Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at
over 50 distinct hotels and resorts in the most popular leisure and
business destinations across the United States, as well as in Canada.
With 28 iconic golf courses, including multiple short courses, 25
award-winning spas featured in dynamic locales nationwide, every Omni
proudly opens its doors to share the true spirit of its destination.
Reflected through local color, personalized service, unique wellness
options, signature restaurants and creative culinary offerings, Omni
leaves a lasting impression with every guest and a heightened level of
recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest® loyalty
program. Omni is committed to reducing hunger and is on a mission
through its Say Goodnight to Hunger initiative, to provide millions of
meals each year for food banks to feed children, families, and seniors
in communities in which it operates. Through its partnership with Shared
Hope International, Omni is dedicated to the education and training of
its associates to help combat human trafficking. Omni Hotels & Resorts
is the official hotel of the PGA TOUR® and PGA of America. For
information or to book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call
1-800-The-Omni.
