The St. Gregory Hotel in Dupont Circle Washington D.C. announced today that Charlie Loomis would take over as Executive Chef at the much-loved Ellington Park Bistro, a staple of both the hotel and the surrounding community.
Loomis brings an extensive background in the culinary world, from education to hospitality, most recently serving as the Director of Food & Beverage at the Washington Dulles Marriott, where he oversaw a best-in-class program. Prior to that position, he was tasked with reinvigorating the Barasti Beach Club at the Westin/Le Meridien in Dubai, successfully re-launching the venue after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout his career, Loomis has cemented himself as a pillar of the communities in which he has worked, working with nonprofits to educate students and the community about nutrition and the culinary arts. His expertise has also been heralded by his fellow professionals, with appearances on several professional cooking shows, coalitions and more.
“We are delighted to welcome Chef Loomis to The St. Gregory team,” said Matt Kerver, Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage at HHM. “His background in both hospitality and community building makes him a perfect fit for Ellington Park Bistro. We pride ourselves not only on being a first-class restaurant for our guests, but also a pillar of our Dupont Circle community, and are eager to work with Chef Loomis to expand our merit and impact even further.”
Loomis brings an impressive background with him to Ellington Park, that emphasizes how food is at the heart of every community, including:
- Starting Chattanooga’s first farm to school lunch program, later recognized by First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House
- Has been featured on multiple Food Network shows including “Beat Bobby Flay,” “Winning Cooks vs. Cons” and “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”
- Serving on multiple boards for nonprofits including Hamilton County School Nutrition, Chattanooga Homeless Coalition and Shelterhouse in Northern Virginia
- Representing Chattanooga’s Slow Food Chapter as an elected chef delegate for the Terra Madre conference, fostering discussion and introducing innovative concepts in the field of gastronomy
- Voted “best chef in the city” of Chattanooga in 2019 and 2020 by City Scope Magazine
“As I take this next step in my culinary career, I am excited to partner with The St. Gregory and Ellington Park Bistro teams to create an exceptional dining experience for guests and the greater community alike,” said Loomis. “The team and I have begun conceptualizing some new thoughtful and seasonal menus while highlighting local farms and regional producers. Being a native to the D.C. area, I also have a passion for supporting this region’s amazing wineries, distilleries and breweries. I look forward to seeing how I can contribute to this wonderful neighborhood.”
