Moxie's Hires Former Executive Chef of the Beverly Hills Hotel

Chef Alex Chen assumes role of Culinary Architect for Moxie's Grill & Bar

CALGARY, March 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Moxie's Grill & Bar is proud to announce that the former Executive Chef at the renowned Beverly Hills Hotel, Chef Alex Chen, resigned his exclusive position to return to Canada in the role of Moxie's Culinary Architect. Chef Chen had been the Executive Chef at the Beverly Hills Hotel for the past six years.

"Passion and attention to detail is the reason we hired Chef Chen," said Moxie's President Laurids Skaarup. "His talent is boundless and he has a love of food that transcends any culinary style or trend, which is essential in today's premium casual landscape."

"Canadian consumers are more informed and discerning then ever before. They are also a new generation of guest that are savvy, and they want high quality food experiences without paying ridiculous prices," Skaarup continued. "Although Alex has worked at some of the most recognized and prestigious restaurants in North America, he is a perfect fit for Moxie's because, at his core, he believes great food experiences are part of the fabric of our culture. He also believes that food, at its highest form, should not be reserved for fine dining. Rather, it is an inclusive and shared experience for all and not just an elite few. Moxie's shares this belief, and we also believe this is big reason why the casual dining category has resonated with Canadians and has emerged as such a meaningful part of dining out in Canada."

"I am excited to be part of the Moxie's team." Chef Chen said. "Right now I am immersing myself in Moxie's culture and kitchens, which has been both stimulating and delightfully refreshing. To be honest, I expected to be impressed, but I was more then impressed. Moxie's has developed a strong culinary culture and has some of the most detailed processes I have ever come across. This is going to be an exciting journey and I am looking forward to supporting their culinary program, and ensuring guests experience exceptional food in the casual, high energy and stylish restaurants Moxie's has designed."

In his new role, Chef Chen will support menu development and help steer Moxie's culinary training to its over 5,000 team members. He will also concentrate on developing inspired new dishes while focusing on continuous improvements to current menu favourites.

"Alex's passion for excellence and for delivering exceptional quality perfectly mirrors our culture and our values," Skaarup stated. "We are proud to work with a chef of Alex's caliber. He is creative, driven, engaged and hard working - he is a shining star on the culinary landscape of Canada. He has been mentored by some of North America's most elite chefs and his personal and professional success is the stuff from which legends are made. Our team and our guests have a lot to look forward to."

About Moxie's Grill & Bar
Founded in Calgary in 1986, Moxie's Grill & Bar has over 60 locations across Canada. Moxie's is Canada's fastest growing restaurant in the premium casual sector and a Canadian success story. Moxie's operates premium casual restaurants in six provinces and is open seven days a week for dinner, lunch and late-night dining.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Brendan Bailey
Citizen Optimum Public Relations
[phone]
[email protected]
www.moxies.com