Company known for bringing the iconic Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale brands back to life appoints new Chef of Record to drive culinary excellence
In a major announcement driven by the triumphant return of Steak and Ale and the continued growth of Bennigan’s, Legendary Restaurant Brands today named Chef Tim Creehan as its new Chef of Record.
With a singular career that began at Steak and Ale when he was just 14, Chef Tim’s appointment marks a meaningful full-circle moment for both the brand and the chef. He will oversee culinary development for Legendary’s entire portfolio and will guide the re-entry of Steak and Ale into the Florida Panhandle.
As part of this strategic partnership, Chef Tim also joins Legendary’s newly formed advisory board across all the brands – which includes Bennigan’s On The Fly – ensuring a consistent, high-quality dining experience for every guest. This collaboration will bolster the company’s mission to deliver globally inspired dining experiences while advancing its growth strategy.
“It’s an incredible honor to return to Steak and Ale, where my passion for amazing food and extraordinary dining experiences first ignited,” said Chef Tim. “I look forward to bringing my decades of experience back to the brand and helping craft the next chapter of Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale’s stories.”
Legendary is not only elevating its culinary offerings but is also positioning Steak and Ale for significant growth in new markets. The Florida Panhandle expansion is just the beginning, with further plans for national growth underway. Chef Tim’s commitment to developing innovative dining concepts and his ability to merge tradition with modern tastes will be integral to the brand’s resurgence.
“Recruiting Chef Tim to our company is an absolute game changer for us,” said Paul Mangiamele, chairman and CEO of Legendary Restaurant Brands. “His deep connection to Steak and Ale and his celebrated career bring a level of culinary leadership that will propel all of our brands forward. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver memorable and experiential dining experiences to every guest.”
Chef Tim has earned a stellar reputation in the restaurant industry, including recognition as the “Best Chef on the Emerald Coast” for over a decade. In 2015, he opened the world-renowned restaurant Cuvée 30A near Panama City, Florida, to high acclaim. By the age of 19, he had already been named executive chef of two different establishments – Joey’s and LaFitte’s Landing. A Corporate Executive Chef stint at Ralph & Kacoo’s Seafood Restaurant was followed by one as Consulting Chef for Delta Pride and Country Skillet Catfish, a Con-Agra Company, where he flexed his flair for recipe creation, food styling and product development.
In 1992, The American Culinary Foundation named Chef Creehan as one of the “youngest and most accomplished Certified Executive Chefs in the United States.” In 1999, Cooking Light’s Grandstand ’99 selected Creehan as “one of five chefs in the United States to be honored as a Shining Star Chef.” In early 2004, Creehan was selected as one of five “Celebrated Chefs” to represent the National Pork Council at various events nationwide. During all these ventures, Creehan found time to author and publish three cookbooks, “Flavors of the Gulf Coast” (1992), “Simple Cuisine” (2004) and “Exceptional Taste, Tales & Recipes” (2010).
“Chef Tim’s extensive knowledge of fine dining and commitment to delivering quality in every meal ensures that our iconic brands will continue to thrive as trusted names in the restaurant industry,” continued Mangiamele. “I couldn’t be more thrilled that he has joined the Legendary team.”
For more information about Legendary Restaurant Brands, visit LegendaryRestaurantBrands.com.
Legendary Restaurant Brands owns the iconic Bennigan’s and Steak and Ale brands – the pioneers of casual dining. Bennigan’s is a high-energy neighborhood full-service restaurant redefining and leading casual dining again. With chef-driven food, innovative drinks, and warm, friendly Irish hospitality, this Legendary brand delivers memorable and experiential dining experiences to every guest. It offers its franchise partners a business model capable of compelling returns on investment. The polished, fast-casual brand Bennigan’s On The Fly was designed for non-traditional venues, including hotels, or as a delivery-only virtual model operated from an existing commercial kitchen. Steak and Ale is truly the ‘American Original’ that has made its triumphant return and is already generating keen global interest. This new generation of Steak and Ale has been redefined as a 21st-century polished-casual concept that now sets the standard for affordable, high perceived value, family-friendly steakhouses. To join the Legendary franchise family, visit LegendaryRestaurantBrands.com or call 800.804.5049.
