New exec chef for Stokehouse St Kilda Beach
Photo: Cole Bennetts
The Van Haandel Group has appointed Jason Staudt as executive chef at Stokehouse St Kilda Beach.
Staudt joins Stokehouse following roles as head chef at the two-hatted Aria Sydney and head chef at Bea Restaurant at Barangaroo House.
“Jason was a standout from the moment we met him,” said owner Frank Van Haandel. “His vision is aligned with ours, he recognises and understands what Stokehouse customers want. Jason’s style of food is understated, but all the better for it and we know that it will work perfectly on the beach.”
Canadian born, Staudt began his career in Calgary and worked across the US and UK before relocating to Australia in 2013 to take up an opportunity at Aria as sous chef.
“I had heard so many good things about the Van Haandel Group, and the opportunity to join Stokehouse in such a significant leadership role, based right on the water in what is an incredible green building and operation, is the perfect next step for me,” said Staudt.
“My ethos aligns perfectly with the Group. I would not be ready for this opportunity without the investment Matt Moran has made in me over such a long period of time and I am so grateful for his support and mentorship.
“Whilst leaving Sydney has been a harder decision than I had expected, I am looking forward to exploring Melbourne restaurants, meeting new people, discovering new ingredients and building strong relationships with passionate and sustainable producers as we grow together.”
Sheridan Randall, 24th September 2019
