If you’ve dined in downtown Orlando, you’ve likely met someone like Stephanie Ernotte: confident, welcoming, and easy to talk to. She’s spent over 20 years in Orlando and started her hospitality career at 16. Her calm, polished presence at the front door sets the mood...

David Bennett’s path to becoming a bartender at Kres Chophouse is a tale of hard work infused with deep-rooted family values. Originally from Gainesville but raised in Orlando, David’s career began not behind the bar but as a dishwasher in a local pizza place right...

Antonio Mendes came to Orlando in 2017 from Venezuela, bringing with him a deep love for cooking and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Back home, he ran a successful window and glass installation business, one that his sons now manage. When he arrived in the U.S.,...

Deandra Daniely, from Lansing, Michigan, to the heart of downtown Orlando, Deandra’s path in hospitality has been defined by persistence, growth, and a deep appreciation for her craft. She moved to Florida at 18, following her mother, and quickly found herself...

Jennifer Calabria's journey to Kres Chophouse is a story of passion, resilience, and innovation. A native of Orlando, Florida, Jennifer has been a dedicated vegan for over 20 years before it became a mainstream lifestyle. Her culinary journey, however, didn't start in...

Meet Alin Forester, who thrives in the background and creates memorable evenings for guests. Born in Romania and originally aspiring to be a doctor, he found a new calling in hospitality after financial challenges diverted his path. A New Perspective on...

Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, Nathan Rivera brings an intriguing story of growth and discovery to Kres. Initially indifferent to cooking, his journey into the culinary arts began unexpectedly after high school when he enrolled in a technical college’s culinary...

Tanya Whatley, a hostess at Kres with a rich history in the hospitality industry, embodies the essence of dedication and warmth. Born and raised in Natchitoches, Louisiana, Tanya moved to Orlando in 1998, bringing with her a deep-seated love for culinary arts,...

William Byrd’s story begins in Delaware but takes root in Orlando, where, at the tender age of 17 months, he began to carve out his Floridian identity. It was family—particularly an aunt—whose footsteps led young William to the hospitality industry, steering him clear...

Jorge Duprey is a testament to the blend of cultural heritage and adaptable service. With his start in the Orlando culinary scene back in ‘94 and his Puerto Rican lineage, Jorge adds a personal touch to every interaction at Kres. His culinary roots were started in a...

Born in Puerto Rico, Mike moved to Central Florida before his first birthday, growing up in Altamonte Springs and then Longwood. This blend of Caribbean roots and Floridian upbringing has subtly shaped his personality and perspectives, though his passion for diverse...

Sara's story begins in South Korea, where she was adopted and raised in the serene landscapes of upstate New York. Her foray into hospitality started at the age of 15, marking the beginning of a lifelong passion for the service industry. Sara's experience in the...