Hollywood Casino in Greektown has appointed Edward D. Cloonan III as its new executive chef, where he helms all the restaurant and culinary services on the property, including Prism steakhouse, Barstool Sportsbook, the Monroe Market food hall, and all hotel banquet operations.
Cloonan is a veteran of 20 years in the food and beverage industry veteran and just returned to the U.S. following four years serving as executive chef for Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) in Okinawa, Japan.
In that role, Cloonan was responsible for orchestrating Marine Corps Balls, serving up to 1,000 Marines and guests at a time.
Prior to his time in Japan, Cloonan served as executive chef at Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, Mass., part of the Penn Entertainment Enterprise. Earlier in his career, he gained additional culinary experience as sous chef at the Edelweiss Lodge & Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.
“We’re so lucky and grateful to have Chef Cloonan join our team,” says John Drake, general manager of Hollywood Casino at Greektown. “It’s rare to find a chef and leader with his unique combination of skills and experience, from his familiarity with global cuisines, to his military experience, to his previous leadership of a multi-million-dollar food and beverage operation like ours, we know Chef Cloonan has what it takes to provide world-class dining and hospitality experiences right here in Detroit.”
Throughout his career, Cloonan has earned numerous awards and honors, including both a certificate of commendation from the Department of Navy and a MCCS Employee Excellence Award in 2020.
“I am immensely grateful for the enriching experiences and knowledge gained throughout my culinary journey, and I am thrilled to be back with Penn Entertainment at Hollywood Casino at Greektown, where I can continue to showcase my passion and expertise in the culinary arts,” says Cloonan.
“My commitment to delivering exceptional service, my ability to lead and inspire teams, and my diverse cultural exposure have shaped me into the professional I am today. I look forward to putting that all to good use in creating unforgettable dining experiences for our guests.”
Now a Detroit resident, Cloonan earned his associate degree in culinary arts from Le Cordon Bleu College North America in Cambridge, Mass., and a BBA from University of Maryland Global Campus.
More information on Hollywood Casino at Greektown’s dining options is available here.
