The clubhouse experience has become a primary focus in driving golfer satisfaction and more importantly customer delight. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes continues to push forward with the hiring of a very experienced and talented Executive Chef.
The facility recently welcomed Don Stansell as the club’s new executive chef. Stansell will oversee menu creation, food preparation, service and catering at the club’s popular Arroyo Grille restaurant.
Stansell has 25-plus years of culinary experience having first developed his cooking skills while serving in the United States Navy from 1994 to 2002. While serving as a culinary specialist in the Navy, Stansell traveled the world expanding his food knowledge and palate at stops in Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, Hawaii and Australia. Following his time in the Navy, Stansell attended Le Cordon Bleu culinary and hospitality school in Pasadena, Calif. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu, he continued his culinary training as a saucier chef at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Okla.
Stansell’s golf and club experience includes a five-year stretch at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla. where he worked under the watchful eye of Certified Master Chef J. Moosemiller. Most recently, Stansell served as the executive chef at Two Brothers Tap House and Brewery in Scottsdale.
“I am humbled and honored to join the team at the Arroyo Grille at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club,” said Stansell. “The opportunity to work for the Ak-Chin Indian Community and Troon Golf is very exciting for both me and my family. I look forward to bringing taste-of-the-world flavors to our guests of the Arroyo Grille. I am passionate about providing casual, yet upscale country club fare with a Mediterranean and Southwestern flare.”
“After a nationwide search, Chef Don stood out as the clear choice to continue the upward trajectory that Arroyo Grille has established as the premier casual dining location in the area,” said Ak-Chin Southern Dunes General Manager Brady Wilson. “We are excited to see the fresh eyes he will bring to our menus, wine dinners and events and as with all of our veterans; we collectively thank Don for his service to our country.”
For more information on Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club or the Arroyo Grille, visit www.akchinsoutherndunes.com.