ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 26, 2014) – One Ocean Resort & Spa – Northeast Florida’s chic beachfront boutique resort, located in Atlantic Beach – welcomes two dynamic additions to the food and management team. Director of Food and Beverage Andy Preslar and Restaurant Manager Ashly Bitter have joined forces with Executive Chef Ted Peters at Azurea, the award-winning, signature restaurant presenting fresh, coastal cuisine in an artfully inspired atmosphere.
Displaying professional leadership with more than 20 years of hospitality experience, Preslar joined One Ocean Resort & Spa in 2011 as director of rooms division, where he lead, trained and mentored a team of 16 managers supervising more than seven departments before being promoted to his current position as director of food and beverage. Leading all aspects of day-to-day operations for the award-winning restaurant, Preslar’s responsibilities include product development and forecasting culinary trends. Prior to joining the resort, Preslar held leadership positions at Orlando Marriott Downtown, Sheraton Orlando Downtown and Orlando Courtyard Downtown in Orlando, Fla., as well as properties within the Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Starwood Hotels & Resorts brands. Preslar earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration and hospitality management at The University of Central Florida.
“A seasoned member of the One Ocean staff, Preslar possesses the qualities needed to take the fine dining experience to the next level,” says Ted Peters, director of culinary, Remington Hotels, Luxury Division. “His background and commitment to excellence at Azurea is a true asset.”
Bringing 15 years of hospitality experience including country club, hotel, banquet service and fine dining aspects, Bitter joins Azurea as restaurant manager. Overseeing all staff and inventory, Bitter supervises and manages schedules for the staff and ensures the highest level of satisfaction for Azurea diners. Prior to arriving at One Ocean Resort & Spa, Bitter was the food and beverage supervisor at The Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, Fla., where she guided daily operations in Café 4750, a three-meal restaurant. Here she implemented the Standards of Operation for service in four food and beverage outlets, achieved a perfect score in service in the Brand Standard Audit and developed training manuals for all restaurant positions. Bitter has previously owned and operated her own restaurant, Bitter’s Bones and Barley in Hudson, Ohio, as well as held leadership roles at Shoreby Country Club in Bratenahl, Old Whedon Grille and Laurel Lake in Hudson and Monte Carlo in Las Vegas, Nev.
“Ashly’s accomplishments and knowledge of the upscale resort experience makes her a natural fit at One Ocean,” comments Peters. “Her passion for the industry will be crucial to our culinary offering’s success.”
Azurea restaurant remains true to its local surroundings, providing an elegant atmosphere where a view of the ocean is accessible from any seat in the house. Azurea’s menu changes with each season, representing the latest trends and the finest ingredients. As a Wine Spectator award of excellence restaurant, Azurea is one of three AAA four-diamond awarded restaurants in Northeast Florida.
As part of a collection of luxury hotels and resorts managed by Remington Hotels, One Ocean Resort & Spa is a AAA four-diamond-, Forbes Travel Guide four-star-rated property located 25 miles from Jacksonville International Airport. The resort is nestled directly across from the picturesque Beaches Town Center, luring guests in with its brick-paved streets featuring an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, art galleries, ice-cream parlors and nightlife options.
For more information about Azurea or One Ocean Resort & Spa, call (800) 874-6000. For more resort happenings and special offers, follow One Ocean on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest
