Gervasi Vineyard Expands Culinary Team through Key Promotions and Additions

Gervasi Vineyard is proud to announce they have recently expanded their culinary team to include internal promotions and new staff members. They welcome Chef Joe Pileggi as Corporate Restaurant Executive Chef.

Gervasi Vineyard opened their first restaurant, The Bistro in 2010 for an upscale dining experience. Over the years, Gervasi has expanded to now three distinct restaurants on property along with several private and special events. With Gervasi’s recent expansion and growth, it challenged their leadership team to look at their current structure, expand and strengthen their team to better serve their staff and guests.

Gervasi Vineyard leadership and teams are excited to take this opportunity to strengthen and advance as a premier culinary destination for both guests and staff.

Changes include the promotion of Gretchen Wendell as Chief Operating Officer, Food and Beverage. Wendell has been with Gervasi Vineyard since 2010 and has been an integral part of the team. She oversees all front of house staff and managers within the restaurant outlets including the sales and event teams for Gervasi Vineyard and The Twisted Olive. Wendell will assume responsibility for the culinary team as the company moves forward with a more traditional food and beverage structure including her existing responsibilities.

Lucas Blackerby has assumed the promotion of Front of House Support Manager. Blackerby recently managed Gervasi’s outdoor dining restaurant, The Piazza. His duties include supporting the Chief Operating Officer, Food and Beverage along with streamlining and increasing efficiency in the hiring and onboarding process of front of house staff among the restaurants. He will also oversee the continued H2B program which will continue and expand this year.

Chef Ryan Bowen, an original hire has continued to take on more responsibility and leadership over the years. He has earned the promotion of Corporate Resort Executive Chef. Chef Bowen’s responsibilities will focus on the property wide food prep, pastry, hotel breakfast, and all special event food services. He will also manage food service that enhances the resort food offerings at The Still House, The Cave, and The Spa.

Alongside Chef Bowen, Chef Casper Mast has been promoted to Villa Grande Executive Pastry Chef. Chef Mast’s responsibilities have increased over recent years and the promotion is deserving being Chef Bowen’s second in command.

Gervasi Vineyard highlights and recognizes Chef Jade Young who has been with Gervasi for almost five years and is currently serving as The Bistro and Piazza Executive Chef. Chef Tori Marion has been with the team for six years and is currently the Crush House Executive Chef. Alongside Chef Marion, Chef Jennifer Scheiman is the Crush House’s Sous Chef and second in command.

Chef Jade Young

Chef Tori Marion

“Being a family business, we believe in rewarding and recognizing those within our company,” said Scott Swaldo, CEO & General Manager of Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa. “We have an abundance of longstanding staff members and we are pleased that we were able to recognize their efforts. We are extremely pleased and excited to welcome a very experienced Chef to our team who will strengthen our already seasoned recipes and culinary teams.”

Gervasi welcomes new to the property, Chef Joe Pileggi. Chef Pileggi is a Canton local and native. He has years of culinary experience and knowledge and will be an incredible asset to the Gervasi team. As Corporate Restaurant Executive Chef his responsibilities will focus and work alongside the Restaurant Executive Chefs to help mentor the team, strengthen the existing recipes, and overall support the restaurants by working shifts with the teams.

“Chef Joe Pileggi is no stranger to the Canton community or Gervasi family,” said Swaldo. “When we first opened our Pavilion and did not have catering capabilities at the time, Chef Pileggi assisted with the catering from his own company. He understands the service we provide our guests and we are honored to welcome him.”

Gervasi Vineyard continues to evolve and advance as a premier dining destination in Canton and Green, Ohio. Their expansion and strengthening of staff, including the culinary team solidify the resort as a culinary destination for guests, locals, and staff.