Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Walt Disney World Culinary Director Scott Hunnel Retires

The move leaves Disney's fine-dining program without a named successor.

Overview

  • Scott Hunnel, a James Beard Award–nominated chef who led Victoria & Albert's for more than 25 years, announced his retirement with no successor named.
  • As Walt Disney World Culinary Director, he oversaw dining operations and mentored kitchen teams across multiple resort hotels.
  • Disney recently elevated Matthew Sowers, a longtime Victoria & Albert's chef, to executive chef of the Grand Floridian, where he now oversees 13 food and beverage venues.
  • Miguel Santeliz was named chef de cuisine at Victoria & Albert's in the same leadership shift, reflecting Hunnel's mentorship pipeline.
  • Under Hunnel, Victoria & Albert's earned Disney's first MICHELIN star, and it remains the only theme park–owned U.S. restaurant with a star.