Chef Zach Geerson
Chef Zach Geerson started in 2009 as a dishwasher at Cru (now closed) located in Bell Tower Shoppes. From there he climbed the ranks under the tutelage of much-loved chef, Harold Balink (of Harold’s in Fort Myers) to become his Sous Chef. In 2012, Geerson moved on to pursue a culinary education at the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, while also working as an assistant chef under Chef Gianni Scappin at the Caterina de Medici restaurant and at Scappin’s restaurant Cucina as a line cook after graduation. Shortly after, Geerson moved to Southern California and helped open and run four dining concepts in Northern Orange County. Upon meeting who he considered a business mentor, Charles Yang, then owner of the Hotel Fullerton, Chef Zach was encouraged and helped with opening two dining concepts of his own; Casual Citizen Kitchen - focused on small plates with a global focus and the renowned Journeyman’s Food + Drink that went on to be considered in “2018 Best New Restaurant in the U.S.” (Gayot.com) and in 2019 was “Restaurant of the Year” in all of Orange County in Orange Coast Magazine. At the end of 2019, Geerson made the decision to close his restaurants and move back to his hometown with his wife Olivia and pursue new ventures and be close to family. Hosting numerous pop-up fine dining tasting dinners at partner restaurants in Fort Myers (Like his friend’s and Geerson’s personal favorites, Ember Korean Steakhouse on College Pkwy.) Chef Zach has made a name for himself as he continues to embed himself in the SWFL dining scene. Joining the Luminary Hotel has been an extremely exciting step for chef Geerson. “It’s been years since I’ve been able to cook my food in my hometown in a restaurant setting 5 days a week. I’m happy to be home and the Luminary Hotel leadership has been nothing but generous with the freedom they allow me to have while leading their restaurants. Silver King has made positive steps in the direction of becoming one of the best dining spots in all of Lee County.”
