July 17, 2012 - COLUMBUS, Ohio - Hilton Columbus Downtown, opening this fall, is pleased to announce the hiring of two culinary experts from the Columbus food scene to manage all food and beverage operations. With nearly three decades of combined experience, William "Bill" Glover, executive chef, and Michael Mejia, director of food and beverage, are set to redefine hospitality and bring unparalleled food and beverage experiences to Hilton Columbus Downtown.

Mejia, former general manager at Martini Modern Italian, and Glover, executive chef and owner of Sage American Bistro, will hit the ground running in an effort to make the hotel's Gallerie Bar & Bistro a destination restaurant-a step toward changing the perception of hotel dining.

"Michael and Bill both bring prestige and experience to Hilton Columbus Downtown, in addition to their strong commitment to incorporating locally-sourced products that celebrate the bounty of Ohio agriculture-a pivotal focus for the hotel," said Christian Coffin, general manager, Hilton Columbus Downtown. "Their reputations and experience immediately set the tone for guests' expectations, providing a dining experience unlike any other they've had at a hotel."

With more than 15 years of experience, Glover is regarded as an expert in creating unforgettable flavors, with cuisines ranging from Asian to Italian. Glover will retain ownership of Sage American Bistro, the success of which has allowed him to turn over the day-to-day operations at Sage and focus his creative attention on this next venture. By joining the team at Hilton Columbus Downtown, Glover has yet another platform to offer Columbus an exciting culinary destination.

"We are eager to get this project off the ground, as we develop a custom menu from scratch for Gallerie Bar & Bistro, which is unique compared to many hotel restaurants," said Glover. "It's a thrilling time for us as we create numerous menu items with fresh, locally-sourced food, vendors and products."

Mejia has more than 14 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, with eight of those years as a general manager and three years as assistant general manager. He is intricately involved in the Columbus Food and Wine Affair and the Central Ohio Restaurant Association. In addition to working with Glover on the vision for Gallerie Bar & Bistro, Mejia and Glover will oversee Hilton Columbus Downtown banquet and room service operations.

"I'm looking forward to the grand opening this fall when guests, Columbus residents and tourists can see firsthand why Hilton Columbus Downtown and Gallerie Bar & Bistro will stand out amongst the hotels and restaurants in the area," said Mejia. "We will set the tone that hotels aren't just a place to stay for the night, but a destination for fine cuisine and delicious beverages."

Media can access additional information about Hilton Columbus Downtown at news.hilton.com/columbusdowntown.

About Hilton Columbus Downtown
Hilton Columbus Downtown is slated to open October 2012. The facility features 532 guest rooms, including 48 suites, and 31,000 square feet of meeting and pre-function space. A glass skybridge connects the hotel with the Greater Columbus Convention Center, which offers more than 1.7 million square feet of meeting space. In addition, the full-service dining facility, Gallerie Bar & Bistro, showcases the hotel's contemporary, upscale décor and a menu with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients. The hotel's brilliant, glass-enclosed exterior will be home to an art collection featuring over 150 original works from more than 100 artists from in and around Central Ohio. For additional information, please call 1-614-384-8604 or visit www.hilton.com.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
One of the most recognized names in the industry, Hilton Hotels & Resorts stands as the stylish, forward thinking global leader in hospitality. From inaugural balls and Hollywood award galas to business events and days to remember, Hilton is where the world makes history, closes the deal, toasts special occasions and gets away from it all. The flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide continues to build upon its legacy of innovation by developing products and services to meet the needs of tomorrow's savvy global travelers while more than 144,000 Team Members shape experiences in which every guest feels cared for, valued and respected. Today, the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio includes more than 550 properties in 80 countries and the brand remains synonymous with "hotel." Access the latest Hilton news at www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com or begin your journey at www.hilton.com. Social media users can engage with Hilton at www.twitter.com/hiltonhotels, www.facebook.com/hilton and www.youtube.com/hilton. Hilton Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.