Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa has appointed Chef Mitchell Cooper as executive chef, entrusting him with the culinary direction of its dining venues, banquets, and upcoming signature restaurant.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa has promoted Chef Mitchell Cooper to executive chef, placing him at the helm of the resort’s culinary operations across its restaurants, bars, banquets and special events. The resort, located on Kā‘anapali Beach at Pu‘u Keka‘a (Black Rock), plans to enhance its food and beverage experiences under his leadership.
Chef Cooper will oversee the resort’s dining portfolio, including The Sandbar, Cliff Dive Bar + Grill, Mai Tai Bar, Teppan-yaki Dan, Coral Reef, Black Rock Shave Ice, Exclusive Oceanfront Dining, and all catering services.
“Chef Cooper’s culinary expertise, passion for island-grown ingredients, and wealth of experience will further elevate our food and beverage offerings, and enhance the guest experience for both visitors and kama‘āina at our resort,” said Tetsuji Yamazaki, General Manager of Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. “His proven leadership and dedication to creating memorable dining experiences make him the perfect choice to lead our culinary department into its next chapter.”
A seasoned culinary professional
Chef Cooper joined Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in 2017 as sous chef and was promoted to executive sous chef two years later. He brings more than 36 years of culinary and hospitality experience, including 11 years in Maui. His career includes roles in St. Thomas, Baltimore, New York City, Boston, and Charleston, South Carolina. On Maui, he previously served as executive chef at 5 Palms Beach Restaurant and Ami Ami Bar & Grill in Kihei.
His culinary style blends influences from his international and U.S. mainland experience with a strong focus on local Hawaiian ingredients.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa currently offers diverse dining options, including Maui’s only teppanyaki restaurant, Teppan-yaki Dan, and The Sandbar, the only lobby bar in Kā‘anapali. The resort is also planning a new signature restaurant slated to open in 2026, with Chef Cooper leading its culinary concept and direction.
Known for his creativity and commitment to local sourcing, Chef Cooper is expected to enhance the resort’s culinary identity with innovative menus that reflect the flavours of Hawai‘i.