Bios
Kyle Lucas - Restaurant Chef
Trained at the renowned Culinary Institute of America and a resident of Lititz, Pa., Chef Lucas brings more than 12 years of culinary experience to his role as restaurant chef at the Penn Square Grille.
Lucas previously served as chef de cuisine at Gibraltar in Lancaster and several other restaurants. His commitment to healthy cuisine, as well as to the Grille’s focus on local farm-to-table bounty, are important contributions to the quality and creativity guests enjoy at the Penn Square Grille.
Robert Rothfus Jr. - Executive Chef
A graduate of the famed Culinary Institute of America and a resident of Millersville, Pa., Chef Robert Rothfus brings fresh creativity and culinary leadership to his role as executive chef for the Lancaster County Convention Center and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square. In this role, he also provides oversight at the Penn Square Grille.
Rothfus previously has served as executive chef at The Cove Fishery and Grill and The Stockyard Inn in Lancaster; Nebula in Ocean City, Maryland; and Tides Inn by the Sea in Kennebunkport, Maine. His vast experience includes seasonal menu development and utilization of fresh local ingredients. His specialties include American and International Cuisine, butchering, charcuterie, seafood, menu planning, banquet planning, sugar arts, ice sculpting, wines and cheeses.
The work of Rothfus has been featured in numerous publications including Metropolitan Magazine, The Washington Post, Go! Magazine, Restaurant Digest, Resort Life, Chesapeake Life, Style Magazine, Wine Spectator, Baltimore Magazine, Food and Drink, Southern Living, Lancaster Magazine, and Local Flavor.
Christopher Trendler – Restaurant Manager
A certified sommelier with extensive experience in fine dining, Christopher Trendler has the ability to instill both creative vision and exceptional quality into the process of managing the Penn Square Grille and Rendezvous Lounge. A resident of Lancaster, Pa., Trendler brings six years of restaurant, bar, and event management expertise to his leadership role.
Prior to joining the team at the Penn Square Grille, Trendler most recently worked as manager and sommelier at Lancaster’s Gibraltar and as head bartender at the exclusive Hamilton Club. He founded the Avvinare Wine Club and received sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2009.
Trendler also brings an extensive knowledge of regional cuisine, hand in hand with the restaurant’s mission of highlighting fresh farm-to-table bounty. His ability to orchestrate all the important details of the restaurant and lounge will drive the success of its mission to provide exemplary guest satisfaction.
Mike Deebel – Assistant Restaurant Manager
A graduate of Penn State University, Mike Deebel is a highly focused individual bringing a wealth of experience in the restaurant industry to his role at the Penn Square Grille and Rendezvous Lounge. As a Lancaster County Native, he offers extensive knowledge of regional cuisine, hand in hand with the restaurant’s mission of highlighting fresh farm-to-table bounty.
A resident of Lancaster, PA, Deebel’s former experience in food service and customer service includes roles at the esteemed Log Cabin and Lancaster Country Club.
Alana Berry – Assistant Restaurant Manager
A graduate of Millersville University, Alana Berry brings both creativity and customer service experience to her role at the Penn Square Grille and Rendezvous Lounge. A resident of Lancaster, Alana’s focus on guest experience and knowledge of regional cuisine align with the restaurant’s mission of highlighting fresh local bounty served with exceptional care.
