June 25, 2012 (Moab, Utah) - Sorrel River Ranch Hotel & Spa  in Moab, Utah has announced the appointment of Richard Potts as Executive Chef. Set amongst some of the most spectacular scenery in the American Southwest, Potts arrives in Moab with more than a decade and a half of culinary experience.

Potts will be responsible for all culinary operations at the luxury ranch resort including the signature River Grill Restaurant offering fine dining, the al fresco River Deck , overlooking the Colorado River, as well as in-room dining, banquets and special events. Potts works closely with Sorrel River Ranch's on-site gardener to create menus highlighting fresh farm-to-plate dishes with ingredients grown on-site in the organic garden and greenhouse.

"We are pleased to welcome Richard to Sorrel River Ranch and are already inspired by his use of our on-site produce and resources," said Linda Cerra, General Manager of Sorrel River Ranch. "Potts expects to gather 70% of the restaurant's produce from the on-site garden by September 2012."

Potts joined Sorrel River Ranch following five years as Sous Chef at Old Hickory Steakhouse at Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Florida where he used molecular gastronomy for a modern twist on traditional American steakhouse cuisine. Previously he was Sous Chef at Hue Restaurant in Orlando; Sous Chef at El Conquistador at Mission Inn Resort in Florida; and Lead Culinary at The Spire at the Hyatt Regency Louisville in Kentucky. Potts started his hospitality career in the kitchen at his father's restaurant, Pottsie's Eatery, in Daytona, Florida in 1994.

Chef Richard is a third generation chef who draws great inspiration from his Sicilian roots. His farm-to-table culinary expertise originates from his father, also a chef, and his grandfather, a chef and an organic farmer. He resides on Sorrel River Ranch with his wife, who is a pastry chef. His hobbies include writing music, oil painting, and foraging.

About Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa
A member of Benchmark Hospitality International's exclusive Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels^SM, Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa is tucked away on 160-acres of sprawling green pastures near Moab, Utah. With the Colorado River, towering red rock cliffs, mountain buttes and dramatic mesas, this ranch resort is a playground for adventure enthusiasts seeking to revel in the area's myriad active adventures, but also for families and corporate groups alike. The 55 cabin-style guest suites are pet-friendly and outfitted with authentic Southwestern décor, hardwood floors, kitchenettes, and views of the Colorado River or the La Sal Mountain Range. Guests enjoy a relaxed atmosphere of a working ranch where horses, vistas and a dramatic edible landscape create the backdrop of a once in a life time experience. The Resort's River Grill Restaurant offers farm to plate dining with seasonal ranch grown selections from our eco-friendly greenhouse and garden. The Spa at Sorrel River Ranch comes complete with locally-inspired revitalizing and holistic treatments including the Bourbon Cowboy and Toning Cactus Wrap, and relaxing yoga classes. The resorts Adventure Concierge can customize unique guest experiences ranging from sunset photo tours of Arches National Park, white water rafting all the way to Jeep Tours and Hummer Safaris. 14,000 square-feet of functional space indoors and out, as well as experienced staff and professional catering personal welcomes groups for weddings, retreats, and meetings. www.sorrelriver.com