News

 

 

Woody’s Grille hired Mark Stankey as executive chef overseeing kitchen operations for both its Eden Prairie and Plymouth restaurant locations. 

 

Stankey, a native of Mankato, Minn., brings a depth of experience to Woody’s Grille having worked in fine-dining establishments and hotels to nightclubs and several Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants, owned and operated by his parents. He also is a member of the international food and wine society Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

 

"We are thrilled to have an experienced chef developing new menu offerings and overseeing kitchen operations at both locations," remarked Michael Pelino, director of operations for Woody’s Grille. "Mark’s level of experience and his talent for developing and training staff was the combination we needed for our restaurants," Pelino added.

 

This summer, Stankey included one of his favorite spices to the menu - the Guajillo chile pepper.   The Guajillo Steak Tortilla and Chicken Guajillo are popular items on the lunch and dinner menus.  Guajillo chile peppers are common in Mexican cooking and are mild to moderately hot.

 

"I enjoy creating new menu offerings and adding new spices into the mix," remarked Stankey.  "I’m currently developing the fall menu to include hearty, winter flavors with a twist on old favorites, like mac-n-cheese with truffle oil," he added.  Look for Woody’s new fall menu to be released in mid-October.