Oxbow Bar & Grill, the waterfront restaurant located just steps from Luminary Hotel & Co., is pleased to announce the appointment of Germán Méndez as its new Chef de Cuisine. With over two decades of international culinary experience, Méndez brings a rich blend of Mediterranean tradition and culinary innovation to the downtown Fort Myers dining scene.
“Chef Germán’s impressive background and unique approach to food are a perfect match for Oxbow,” said Joe Shurmur, General Manager of Luminary Hotel & Co. “His mastery of Southern Spanish and French techniques, combined with vibrant local influences, will bring fresh creativity and exceptional flavor to our menu.”
Born and raised in southern Spain, Méndez refined his craft in Europe’s top food capitals – Marseille, Milan, and Berlin – before moving to the United States. He honed his skills in acclaimed Miami kitchens such as 1 Hotel South Beach and the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel. Most recently, he served as Chef de Cuisine at Ocean Social at Nobu Hotel and Eden Roc Hotel, where he oversaw and led large-scale culinary teams. After years in Miami collaborating with notable culinary talents such as Akino West and Top Chef’s Tristen Epps, Méndez now calls Cape Coral home.
“I’m excited to join the talented team at Oxbow Bar & Grill and share my love for fresh, seasonal cooking with our guests,” said Méndez. “This location is so unique, and I look forward to creating dishes that reflect both my heritage and the local ingredients found here in Southwest Florida.”
Méndez is infusing Oxbow Bar & Grill’s menu, adding his Mediterranean roots and signature style, making subtle updates now and planning a refresh in the months ahead. A passionate community advocate, he has participated in numerous Food & Wine festivals and supports causes dedicated to cancer and diabetes research.
Inspired by its location on the Caloosahatchee River, Oxbow Bar & Grill offers indoor and outdoor seating, serving fresh oysters, seafood, craft sandwiches, burgers, and more. The restaurant also features a retail store with sportswear, gear, and destination souvenirs, as well as a second-floor event space overlooking the river. Guests can enhance their visit with Off the Leash Charters’ Sunset & City Lights Cruise departing from Oxbow and enjoy a complimentary signature drink with the purchase of an entrée.
For more information on Oxbow Bar & Grill, visit OxbowFortMyers.com and for more information on additional dining outlets at Luminary Hotel & Co. visit LuminaryHotel.com.
Germán Méndez, Chef de Cuisine at Oxbow Bar & Grill
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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 330 independent hotels located in the most desirable destinations across more than 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.