Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club recently welcomed Don Stansell as the new executive chef.
Stansell will oversee the club’s Arroyo Grille restaurant, including menu creation, food preparation, service and catering. An eight-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, he has more than 25 years of culinary experience.
“I am humbled and honored to join the team at the Arroyo Grille at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club,” Stansell said. “The opportunity to work for the Ak-Chin Indian Community and Troon Golf is very exciting for both me and my family. I look forward to bringing taste-of-the-world flavors to our guests of the Arroyo Grille. I am passionate about providing casual, yet upscale country club fare with a Mediterranean and southwestern flair.”
He developed his cooking skills in the Navy, serving from 1994 to 2002 as a culinary specialist. The Navy took him to Thailand, Greece, Italy, Spain, Australia and Hawaii, where he expanded his food knowledge and palate.
Following his time in the Navy, Stansell attended Le Cordon Bleu culinary and hospitality school in Pasadena, California. After graduating, he continued his training as a saucier chef at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Oklahoma.
Stansell’s golf and club experience includes a five-year stretch at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, where he worked under the watchful eye of Certified Master Chef J. Moosemiller. Most recently, Stansell served as the executive chef at Two Brothers Tap House and Brewery in Scottsdale.
“After a nationwide search, Chef Don stood out as the clear choice to continue the upward trajectory that Arroyo Grille has established as the premier casual dining location in the area,” said Ak-Chin Southern Dunes General Manager Brady Wilson. “We are excited to see the fresh eyes he will bring to our menus, wine dinners and events and, as with all of our veterans, we collectively thank Don for his service to our country.”
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club is managed by Troon Golf.
