Located off Florida's Gulf Coast on picturesque Captiva Island, South Seas Island Resort today announced the appointment of Charles Mereday (pictured left) as the resort village’s new Executive Chef. In his current role, Mereday will supervise the food and beverage team and oversee the resort’s menu planning and food cost management efforts. Mereday will work with the resort’s team of culinary experts to transition the menu offerings to include more healthy and sustainable alternatives.
“We are pleased to have Chef Mereday as part of our team at South Seas Island Resort,” said Richard Hayduk, regional managing director of South Seas Island Resort. “His culinary creativity, extensive experience and approachable personality make him the perfect fit for our family friendly resort. We are confident our guests will enjoy the savory dishes he is set to introduce at our various signature restaurants.”
South Seas Island Resort has a variety of eateries for guests to choose from that are casual and family friendly. Harbourside Bar & Grill, which overlooks the Yacht Harbour, serves fresh catch, pasta and fine cuts of meat. The Pointe Restaurant offers casual fare and vegetarian options poolside. Housed in a retro-style diner, Scoops & Slices serves pizza, ice cream and a bevy of retro candies. Captiva Provision Company (CPC) and Ship's Store offer sandwiches, salads and spirits for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With its real smoker grill and open kitchen, true southern hospitality and divine barbeque awaits at the newly remodeled Holy Smoke Heavenly Barbecue and Better Burgers. Located beachside, Sunset Beach Bar serves snacks and creative, refreshing libations. Resort staff can also coordinate in-store grocery orders for same day delivery.
With over 20 years in the industry, Chef Charles Mereday has gained experience from all over the world, from Philadelphia and France to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Throughout his career, Mereday has owned and operated 10 restaurants of various concepts from fine dining to pizzerias and has worked as a Chef Instructor at Culinard – the Culinary Institute of Virginia College in Birmingham, Alabama.
Mereday’s resort experience started in Atlantic City, NJ, where he served as Sous Chef at The Claridge Hotel Casino. Additionally, he has held the positions of Area Executive Chef for Renaissance Hotels in Mobile, Alabama, as well as Chef de Cuisine at Park Hyatt Philadelphia and Loews Philadelphia hotels.
A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Mereday has spent time training at many notable restaurants, including the New York Times four-star Ryland Inn and France’s Michelin three-star restaurant, La Maison Troisgros.
Mereday is a member of the American Culinary Federation and is also involved in Veggie U, a charity committed to changing childhood obesity trends by offering an Earth to Table™ science curriculum to fourth grade and special needs classrooms across the country.
"We are looking forward to becoming part of the Captiva community, and my children can’t wait to be more involved with the Sanibel Sea School as we are passionate about the environment and conservation,” said Mereday. “My family is very excited about our new life – South Seas Island Resort already feels like home."
For more information on the resort and rates, please call 866-565-5089 or visit www.SouthSeas.com.
ABOUT SOUTH SEAS ISLAND RESORT
Seemingly set adrift off the Florida Gulf Coast, South Seas Island Resort is an engaging unspoiled haven, encompassing a wildlife preserve and two-and-half miles of shell-strewn beaches, lapped by turquoise tides. Recently recognized by MSNBC as a ‘Top 10 Best Place in the World to Experience Local Wildlife’, South Seas Island Resort is a 330-acre resort village and wildlife sanctuary with boundless opportunity for adventure and relaxation. The resort boasts a “Family. Nature. Comfort.” approach to hospitality, which is why for decades generations of families have made the resort village the destination of choice to share treasured moments and make lasting memories. Following a multi-million dollar revitalization, this tropical oasis is the ideal setting for an unforgettable vacation offering a variety of accommodations including villas, condominiums, cottages and homes. Enjoy world-class shelling along the beach and a round of golf on the newly designed 9-hole executive course, play at H2Whoa! Water Park, discover South Seas through ScoutAbout and enjoy a bevy of family-oriented water sports, activities and interactive educational programs through the Sanibel Sea School. Ideal for events, this resort features a variety of venues and over 31,000 square feet of flexible function space. All amenities are designed to take full advantage of the existing landscape, allowing guests to discover and experience native Florida, while relaxing at a Parents Magazine “Top 10 Beach Resort for Families.”
For more information, call 866-565-5089 or 239-472-5111, visit www.southseas.com or become a friend on Facebook for deals and discounts at www.facebook.com/SouthSeasResortVillage.
