Salt Creek Grille – Dana Point’s 2009 Restaurant of the Year – selected a well-known South Orange County restaurant and hotel executive to head up its award-winning establishment on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Crown Valley Parkway.
Marcos Costas, a 20-plus year industry veteran who worked at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, spent the last two years as general manager at the highly acclaimed Andrea at Pelican Hill Resort – Newport Beach Restaurant, The Resort at Pelican Hill’s world-class signature restaurant. Costas was a key member of the resort opening team that successfully managed all phases of the spectacular resort’s restaurant development. He was recently recognized as the “top” restaurant general manager by the Irvine Company for 2009.
A widely popular personality in the South County fine-dining scene, Costas has successfully managed operations at French 75 Champagne Bar & Bistro, Ti Amo Ristorante in Laguna Beach, and Savannah Steak and Chop House in Laguna Niguel. He spent four years working at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. In his free time, Costas is a longtime wrestling coach at San Clemente High School.
His arrival to Salt Creek Grille comes as the 13-year-old establishment continues to reinvent itself. Named the 2009 Business of the Year by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the restaurant recently rolled out a new value-driven menu, just remodeled its two banquet rooms, and plans are underway to launch the second year of its successful “Sunset Cabanas at the Grille” patio promotion beginning April 5. Patrons can dine alfresco in one of the eatery’s custom designed cabanas while enjoying $3 drinks, $4 appetizers and $5 martinis. Salt Creek Grille is also implementing a new team training program to ensure continued excellence in service.
Costas said he is extremely excited about his new post at the helm of Salt Creek Grille and looks forward to delivering the outstanding service, food, entertainment and ambiance Salt Creek Grille is known for to Orange County patrons.
“I am thrilled to be joining such a dynamic organization and am truly looking forward to welcoming all of my long-time dining friends to this remarkable restaurant venue. With South Orange County as my home for the past 15 years, this is a true homecoming for me.”
