Delaware North Parks and Resorts leaders came together Feb. 24-26 for the 2025 Parks and Resorts General Manager (GM) Meeting at the company-owned-and-operated Holiday Inn Estes Park, located less than five miles from the main entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.
Attendees included GMs and culinary leaders from division locations throughout the United States, along with leaders of key functions. The meeting included department updates, 2025 priorities and an awards ceremony.
A highlight from the event was the “Signature Showdown” competition, during which Parks GMs were divided into groups and paired with a chef coach to present their property’s signature menu item. The teams worked together to design their display stations, execute and serve their dishes – planning their menus in the month leading up to the event.
The competition was led by Parks Director of Culinary Jon Wilson and Parks Directors of Operational Support Dawn Hedges and Dawn Aparicio. The chef coaches and food and beverage (F&B) manager coaches were:
- Kristina Olson, executive chef, Holiday Inn Estes Park
- Bo Boriphanvichitr, executive chef, Kalaloch Lodge
- Fred Clabaugh, executive chef, Tenaya at Yosemite
- Phil Musch, executive chef, Skyland Resort at Shenandoah National Park
- Clendon Springer, executive chef, Yavapai Lodge
- Mark Graham, executive chef, The Gideon Putnam
- Kelly Montano, manager of F&B, Tenaya at Yosemite
- Andrew Perez, manager of F&B, Wuksachi Lodge
Each participating GM was given a personalized chef coat and and branded apron from onsite restaurant Latitude 105 to commemorate their time in Estes Park. The teams were judged on the overall team camaraderie, cleanliness and sanitation, presentation, flavor, temperature and texture of the menu items and popularity among attendees.
Congratulations to the winning team – Wayne Soard, GM, Courtyard Titusville Kennedy Space Center; Tyson Budler, GM, the Holiday Inn West Yellowstone; Michael Barnes, GM, Niagara Falls State Park; and coach Phil Musch. Their menu of a Buddha Bowl, Bison Stroganoff and Fish & Chips earned them the 2025 Signature Showdown Cutting Board Trophy.