FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 06, 2026) – Luminary Hotel & Co. has promoted Josef Zimmermann to Executive Chef, placing a seasoned, European-trained operator at the helm of one of Southwest Florida’s most complex multi-concept culinary programs.
In his new role, Zimmermann will oversee all culinary operations across the 243-room waterfront hotel, including The Silver King Coastal Kitchen, Lobby Bar, Beacon Social Drinkery, Oxbow Bar & Grill, Ella Mae’s Diner, Dean Street Coffee Roastery & Retail, Chips Sports Pub & Topgolf Swing Suite, and The Workshop culinary theater.
The promotion reflects Zimmermann’s expanded role across Luminary’s culinary program and his influence on the property’s dining direction.
“Josef has demonstrated a strong ability to manage a dynamic, multi-outlet culinary team while maintaining consistency and delivering a high-quality guest experience,” said Joe Shurmur, General Manager of Luminary Hotel & Co. “This promotion recognizes his impact and the direction he is helping set for our culinary program.”
In his time at Luminary, Zimmermann has enhanced the hotel’s culinary operations, contributing to continued growth across its dining concepts. His work has helped position the property as a leading dining destination in downtown Fort Myers.
With decades of experience spanning luxury hotels, private clubs, and independent restaurant ownership, Zimmermann brings both operational discipline and local credibility. Prior to Luminary, he held executive culinary roles at The Pfister Hotel and the Milwaukee Athletic Club, managing large-scale, multi-outlet environments. In Fort Myers, he is also known as the owner of Sasse’s Restaurant, long recognized for its consistent execution and loyal following.
At Luminary, his focus will center on consistency across concepts, development of culinary talent, and strengthening the property’s position as a destination for both visitors and locals alike. That includes continued evolution of The Silver King Coastal Kitchen, where a five-course tasting menu and monthly dinner series anchor the hotel’s higher-end dining experience.
For more information, visit LuminaryHotel.com.
Josef Zimmerman, Executive Chef at Luminary Hotel & Co.
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About Luminary Hotel & Co.
The waterfront Luminary Hotel & Co. soars 12 stories above downtown Fort Myers, Florida as the area’s first hotel in the prestigious Autograph Collection® of Marriott International. More than a hotel, the AAA Four Diamond Luminary is a hub of excitement and discovery – a focal point where locals and travelers tap into the collective energy of a city, and a story, begun by a brilliant cast of audacious local luminaries. The 243-room boutique hotel is home to the signature Silver King Ocean Brasserie and Lobby Bar; Beacon Social Drinkery rooftop lounge; Ella Mae's Diner; Oxbow Bar & Grill; Dean Street Coffee Roastery & Retail; Chips Sports Pub & Topgolf Swing Suite; The Workshop culinary theater; an indoor and outdoor fitness facility; and a spacious pool area on the fourth floor featuring an event deck overlooking the Caloosahatchee River. Luminary offers 10,000 square feet of adaptable indoor and outdoor function space ideal for a variety of events and meetings and is adjacent to the neighboring Caloosa Sound Convention Center. The hotel also offers convenient access to Caloosa Sound Amphitheater located on the Caloosahatchee. For more information, visit LuminaryHotel.com or follow on Instagram, X and Facebook.
About Mainsail Lodging & Development
Mainsail Lodging & Development is an award-winning, Tampa, Florida-based company specializing in hotel, furnished housing, and resort property management and development, marketing and sales. An established company with a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, Mainsail prides itself in finding unique lodging opportunities with a purpose and applying its passion and expertise to each project. Founded by President Joe Collier with a combination of daring vision and dogged determination, Mainsail has built an impressive portfolio of top-branded properties throughout the southeastern United States and Caribbean. Each Mainsail property inspires guests with a distinct character and meticulously crafted, sophisticated style, from a private island resort, and urban culinary showplaces, to waterfront marvels, boutique southern hotels, and a historic jazz-era icon. Stay Sojo, Mainsail’s newest brand, provides short-term furnished living options across the country, while Mainsail Vacation Rentals manages a collection of private vacation homes in Florida and the Caribbean. To ensure long-term success and profitability, Mainsail relies on the dedication of its high-performing associates, a growing group of enterprising investors, and a commitment to giving back, every step of the way. MainsailHotels.com.
About Autograph Collection® Hotels
Autograph Collection Hotels advocates for the original, championing the individuality of each of its over 295 independent hotels located in the most desirable destinations across 50 countries and territories. Each hotel is a product of passion, inspired by a clear vision, soul, and story that makes it individual and special: Exactly Like Nothing Else. Hand-selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality, Autograph Collection properties offer rich immersive moments that leave a lasting imprint. For more information, please visit www.autographhotels.com, and explore on social via Instagram, X, and Facebook to be inspired by immersive moments that are #ExactlyLikeNothingElse. Autograph Collection is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.