Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Minor as the new Executive Chef. With an exceptional
culinary background and a lifelong passion for creating unique dishes, Minor brings a wealth of experience to Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. In his role as Executive Chef, Minor will manage and oversee all food and beverage operations at the hotel including LandShark Bar & Grill, 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, the Margaritaville Coffee Shop, banquets and private dining experiences.
“We are delighted to welcome Chef Mike Minor to the Margaritaville family and look forward to the culinary creations he will bring to our guests,” said Jim Hollister, General Manager, Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. “His talent and dedication will undoubtedly enhance the dining experience at Margaritaville, making every visit a culinary journey to remember.”
Minor joins Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter most recently from La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, where he served as executive chef and led the culinary teams at the Marine Room, the Shores Restaurant, Club Dining and catering events. Previously, he served as executive chef at the acclaimed Border Grill in his hometown of Las Vegas, where he established his reputation for innovation and became nationally known for inspired dishes that are eye-catching and flavorful.
Inspired by his grandmother’s cooking, Minor began his culinary journey at a very young age and honed his skills in various settings, from fusion cooking at Z’Tejas to high-volume cooking at Hard Rock Café. Minor also worked alongside celebrity chefs such as Wolfgang Puck, Mary Sue Milliken, and Susan Feniger. His passion for food is deeply rooted in his years of studying regional cuisine in Oaxaca and Michoacan, Mexico, bringing a unique and diverse touch to his culinary creations.
Minor’s dedication, authenticity, and fervor have earned him numerous appearances on renowned television shows such as Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen, Cutthroat Champions and Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell. He also served as a celebrity chef judge in an episode on the first season of Big Bad BBQ Brawl. In addition to his frequent cooking demonstrations on local news channels, his humanitarian spirit garnered recognition from the James Beard Foundation for his volunteer work with global charitable organizations like March of Dimes and Three Square. His culinary artistry is influenced by a profound love for regional Mexican cuisine, shaping his creative flair and cooking approach. He even found the time to create his own version of Mexicue, known as TruckUBarbeque.
Outside of the kitchen, Minor enjoys attending concerts and exploring the local culinary scene, making him a perfect fit for the vibrant atmosphere of the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter.
