Sheraton Dallas Hotel Welcomes New Director Of Restaurants & Bars And Executive Sous Chef

DALLAS – Sheraton Dallas announce the appointment of two accomplished hospitality professionals to key leadership roles within its Food & Beverage team: Jessica Kraus as Executive Sous Chef of Restaurants & Bars and Blake DeAlessandro as Restaurant Manager. Together, their diverse backgrounds and proven leadership will play a pivotal role in elevating the hotel’s dining experiences and driving continued innovation across all restaurant and bar outlets.

Jessica Kraus brings a wealth of experience and passion for culinary excellence to her new role. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Kraus’ love for cooking began early, growing up in her father’s kitchens. She honed her skills through years of culinary competitions, laying the foundation for her accomplished career.

Kraus most recently served as Complex Executive Sous Chef at Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Sapphire Falls Resort, where she oversaw the daily operations of nine restaurants and two cafeterias. She managed a culinary team of over 120 professionals and was responsible for more than $120 million in annual food sales. Her leadership was instrumental in maintaining high standards of quality, streamlining operations, and mentoring talent across multiple outlets.

Her impressive career includes key culinary roles at renowned properties such as Gaylord Palms Resort, Jack Cleveland Casino, and Kalahari Resorts. Known for her ability to build high-performing teams and lead successful training programs, Kraus is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in the kitchen.

Sheraton Dallas welcomes Blake DeAlessandro back to the property as Restaurant Manager, bringing nearly two decades of experience in food and beverage operations within the Marriott brand.

DeAlessandro first joined the Sheraton Dallas team in 2018 and played a key role as Sales Tour and Renovation Mixologist/Lead Bartender. His collaboration with the sales team during site tours, tastings, and events contributed to increased bar revenue and enhanced guest engagement. DeAlessandro took on a broader leadership role with the promotion to Assistant Food and Beverage Operations Manager in 2021.

DeAlessandro’s commitment to team development and operational excellence earned him a transfer to the W Dallas Hotel in 2023 as Senior F&B Operations Manager, known for his informative pre-shift briefings and inspiring management style.

Returning to Sheraton Dallas, Blake brings renewed energy, creativity, and a strong dedication to hospitality as he takes the lead in shaping exceptional dining experiences.

“We are proud to welcome Jessica and Blake to the Sheraton Dallas team,” said Frank Quant, Director of Food and Beverage at Sheraton Dallas Hotel. “Their combined experience, creativity, and passion for hospitality will further elevate our dining outlets and enhance the overall guest experience. We look forward to the impact their leadership will bring to our culinary and beverage programs.”

Providing more than 230,000 square feet of versatile event space, Sheraton Dallas Hotel features the perfect backdrop for any type of gathering. Offering the latest in technology with a functional and updated style, the versatile venues accommodate events of all sizes, from motivational team meetings, training sessions, and annual conferences to intimate social gatherings and large galas. With customizable catering options designed to complement any event’s tone and scale, Sheraton Dallas’ culinary team is dedicated to delivering memorable dining experiences tailored to every guest’s taste and dietary preferences.

With four food and beverage dining outlets – Open Palette, Draft Sports Bar & Lounge, Open Mkt. Grab ‘n Go, and The Parlor – Sheraton Dallas features world-class culinary experiences. Open Palette serves fresh, flavorful American classics inspired by the hotel’s Dallas roots. Open Mkt. Grab ‘n Go provides a wide selection of healthy foods and plenty of options for those on the go. Draft Sports Bar & Lounge is a 4,000 square-foot world of sports nirvana that provides the ultimate entertainment experience with 25 televisions, local beers on tap, outstanding eats, craft cocktails, and a complimentary karaoke room. Available to book for special events, The Parlor is an upscale lounge bar with a retro style designed specifically for intimate gatherings regardless of the occasion.

Sheraton Dallas is the largest hotel in Texas featuring 1,841 guest rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center with five Peloton bikes, an outdoor rooftop pool with stunning city views, and Club Lounge, in addition to the meeting and convention space and four dining outlets. Located right off the DART Pearl/Arts District station, Sheraton Dallas offers guests and employees a convenient location in the epicenter of Downtown Dallas.

The article Sheraton Dallas Hotel welcomes new Director of Restaurants & Bars and Executive Sous Chef first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.