Bios
Robert Rothfus Jr. - Restaurant Chef
A graduate of the famed Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, and a resident of Millersville, PA, Robert Rothfus Jr. brings fresh creativity and culinary leadership to the Penn Square Grille after most recently serving as executive chef at The Cove Fishery and Grill in Lancaster. Rothfus also served as executive chef at 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.
