Charlotte Marriott City Center announced the hiring of chef Tim Groody to lead the culinary team and kitchen operations at Stoke. Groody, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America known for his work with farmers to bring locally-grown food into Charlotte restaurants, will join the Stoke team in mid-September.

“Because Stoke is a test kitchen and innovation hub for Marriott Global, Groody’s dedication to seasonality and frequent menu refreshes are the perfect fit,” says Seamus Gallagher, Director of Guest Experience at Charlotte Marriott City Center. “He has long been recognized as one of the most forward-thinking chefs in the Charlotte area, and we know he will enhance our mission of a Piedmont-inspired menu with global touches to welcome our guests from near and far.”

Groody’s move to Stoke marks his return to Uptown Charlotte, where he previously served as executive chef of Sonoma Bistro from 1999 to 2009. He and his wife, Melanie, are selling their restaurant, Fork!. It will remain in operation in Cornelius under new ownership.

“Stoke presents a tremendous opportunity for me to embrace my passion for local- and regional-focused cuisine, and to once again play a part in Charlotte’s evolving culinary landscape,” says Groody. “With Stoke’s central location, Melanie and I look forward to being able to explore and experience the local culinary scene more often, too.” Charlotte Marriott City Center will showcase Groody’s talent and culinary innovations hotel-wide, sharing his daily and seasonal creations with guests via in-room Alexa devices, as well as hosting special events, such as classes and tastings, at Stoke and in event spaces throughout the property.