Chefs

Chef Roger Thomas

Roger Thomas is Executive Chef at Piatto Novo (Italian for “New Plate”) located within the luxurious Sheraton Suites – Cuyahoga Falls/Akron. With three walls of windows overlooking the cascading falls and gorge of the Cuyahoga River, guests at Piatto Novo are treated to one of the most spectacular views in Northeast Ohio while dining on the exquisite dinner creations of award-winning Chef Roger Thomas.

Chef Thomas’s expertly prepared regional Italian cuisine features center cuts of beef and nightly fresh seafood specials. Dinner selections include such favorites as Filet Tartufo and Linguine alla Bolognese. His culinary team is committed to delighting the senses while nourishing the soul.

Chef Thomas grew up just a stone’s throw away, in Akron’s North Hill neighborhood. At age 16, he worked for the Piscazzi Family in Akron, at their highly regarded restaurant, the Wine Merchant. There, he began honing his culinary skills under the celebrated Lucia Piscazzi. By age 19, he was managing the kitchen. Four years later, he had the rare opportunity to prepare a private luncheon for renowned American chef and food writer James Beard, who is widely regarded as one of the central figures in establishing a gourmet American food identity. Chef Thomas considers the experience one of the highest honors of his career.

In 1987, Thomas moved to Europe to further cultivate his skills. In Paris, he apprenticed with Chef Michel Pasquet and became a certified chef. In the Loire Valley, he studied under Chefs Pierre Langlois and Marc Meneau. Oyster farming off the coast of Bordeaux and pastry study at London’s Savoy Hotel were some of his stops before family circumstances called him back to Ohio.

Upon his return to the States, Thomas became Executive Chef at Ken Stewart’s Grille before opening his first restaurant, Sixteen Eighty. Chef Thomas then traveled to Italy in preparation for the opening a new restaurant, Piatto, which would play a key role in downtown Akron’s renaissance.

In 2001, Chef Thomas and Piatto were awarded “Best Restaurant in Akron” and “Best Italian Restaurant in Northeast Ohio” in Northern Ohio Live’s reader’s poll. In 2002, Piatto was awarded the prestigious “Best Restaurant in Northern Ohio” by the same magazine.

In 2005, Chef Thomas moved the award-winning traditions of the original Piatto into the newly renovated Sheraton Suites – Cuyahoga Falls/Akron as Piatto Novo, where he continues delighting diners with his delicious Italian-inspired cuisine.

Executive Chef Lynette “LBEE” Bushey

After taking her talents to Central America for seven years, Executive Chef Lynette “LBEE” Bushey is excited to bring her acclaimed experience with Latin and global cuisine back to her native Pittsburgh. With a focus on authentic flavors and local ingredients, her menu features traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern flair. Chef LBEE is a self-taught chef who draws her influences from the renowned chef Susan Feniger of Street Restaurant in Los Angeles and esteemed chef Roger Thomas of Ohio.

Before taking the helm at Verde, Chef LBEE served for six years as Executive Chef of the world famous Pelican Eyes resort in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. There she supervised operations of two restaurants and executed countless special events at a 70-room luxury resort. Prior to her time in Central America, Chef LBEE brought her talents to the acclaimed Carlyle Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, and to the Sundance Grill in Kennewick, Washington.

Chef Brian Doyle

Chef Brian Doyle bio coming soon.

Chef Bill Thurman

Chef Bill Thurman, Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls. Bio coming soon.