Indian Wells, Calif. – Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells, Calif., is pleased to announce Juan Leon as the property’s new executive chef and Michael Navarro as the new director of food and beverage. The duo will oversee all facets of Indian Wells Golf Resort’s food and beverage operations, food preparation and service for all dining venues, including the VUE Grille and Bar, an upscale bistro; multiple banquet and event venues; and the IWGR café food truck.
A spirited professional and talented chef with 12-plus years of culinary experience, Chef Leon has been the sous chef at Indian Wells Golf Resort since 2017, and served as the property’s lead cook from 2015 through 2017. Prior to his arrival at the award-winning golf property, Chef Leon worked at Fortun’s Finishing Touch Soups and Sauces, at nearby El Dorado Country Club, and at the former Desert Sage restaurant in La Quinta. Chef Leon has already launched new lunch dinner menu offerings, and plans to release special features regularly, as well as enhance the menus for hosted weddings and events.
As the new director of food and beverage, Navarro will lead a staff of 150 employees in both front of the house and back of the house operations. He will work alongside Chef Leon to further develop the culinary and service teams, foster a positive hospitality culture, and deliver a superior dining experience for guests and event attendees. Navarro moves into the director of food and beverage position after serving as assistant food and beverage director at Indian Wells Golf Resort since 2017. A Coachella Valley native, Navarro has been in the food and beverage and hospitality industries since 2001, working his way from server to overseeing all restaurant operations.
“It is always extremely rewarding to be able to work with talent that has dedicated considerable time and loyalty to the Indian Wells Golf Resort,” said Indian Wells Golf Resort General Manager Sven Wiedenhaupt. “Both Michael and Juan have shown on numerous occasions that they have the ‘right stuff’ and will lead the team to new heights!”
Located within walking distance of four luxury hotels in Indian Wells, VUE Grille and Bar has become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The eatery features award-winning cuisine from an expert culinary team led by Executive Chef Leon, with creative craft cocktails, extensive wine list and spirit selections, craft beers and friendly service.
For more information on the VUE Grille and Bar and Indian Wells Golf Resort’s other culinary offerings, call 760-834-3800 or visit www.indianwellsgolfresort.com. Indian Wells Golf Resort is managed by Troon Golf, the resort and daily-fee division of Troon.
About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf management company providing services at 630-plus locations around the globe, including managing 650-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 615-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. With properties located in 45-plus states and 30-plus countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, True Club Solutions, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International, Casa Verde Golf, and RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.
Media Contact:
Rob Myers
Troon
480.477.0506
rmyers@troon.com
