KENNER, La.– Boyd Gaming Corporation and Treasure Chest Casino have hired chefs Birai Aguliar and Emanuell “Manny” Willis, who have a combined 27 years of culinary experience.
The new hires come as Treasure Chest prepares to open four restaurants — Alder & Birch Steakhouse, The Game, Lakeside Café and Infusion — in its new land-based casino.
Aguilar joins the casino as executive sous chef. He will be responsible for all food operations with a special focus on Alder & Birch Steakhouse. He has 22 years of experience in Las Vegas.
Willis joins the casino as a multi-outlet chef. He will focus primarily on three of Treasure Chest’s new restaurants: Lakeside Café, Infusion and The Game. He brings five years of culinary experience in New Orleans. Most recently, he was a sous chef at Emeril’s Brasserie in New Orleans.
“You can’t have great food without a great team – and the hiring of Chefs Aguilar and Willis solidifies our mission to provide a culinary experience that visitors look forward to when visiting Treasure Chest Casino,” said Kim Etland, vice president and general manager of Treasure Chest Casino. “I am confident their commitment to cuisine will be evident as we embark on this final push to opening our new facility this year.”
“I couldn’t be more excited as Chef Birai and Chef Manny begin their new roles,” said Treasure Chest Executive Chef Eddie Garcia. “We have been hard at work preparing menu items that are sure to wow every person who dines at any of our four restaurants. We cannot wait to showcase what we have come up with.”
Treasure Chest Casino first opened in 1994 on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Later this spring, it will open its new 47,000 square foot, land-based casino.
