John McEwan joins the Royal Lahaina Resort team with over 25 years of food and beverage leadership experience.

KAANAPALI – Royal Lahaina Resort last week announced the addition of two executive sous chefs to take the helm of the resort’s food and beverage division.

Joining the resort’s team are industry veterans John McEwan and Jared Krausen.

“We are excited to welcome two highly accomplished chefs to lead our culinary team,” said Tom Bell, president of Hawaiian Hotels and Resorts, the hotel management group for Royal Lahaina Resort.

“These chefs have the culinary expertise to inspire unique creations using fresh ingredients from local farms that will enhance our guest dining experience.”

McEwan joins the team with over 25 years of food and beverage leadership experience. Most recently, McEwan worked as an executive kitchen manager at the Kaanapali Grille & Tap Room, where he was responsible for development and overall operations of the establishment.

Prior to joining the Royal Lahaina Resort, Jared Krausen cultivated his passion for food at the Hyatt Regency Maui and Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.

McEwan also imparted his skills and years of national experience at restaurants such as Shells Seafood in Florida and The Bridgetown Grill in Georgia.

Krausen is a seasoned culinarian with over 17 years of restaurant and hospitality experience. Prior to joining the Royal Lahaina Resort, Krausen cultivated his passion for food at the Hyatt Regency Maui and Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.

Krausen actively participated in the local culinary scene at signature events like the Maui Onion Festival, Kapalua Seafood & Wine Festival and Hawaii Food & Wine Festival.

In related news, the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association recently honored Gilbert “Uncle Bobo” Sablas, guest services manager at the Royal Lahaina, with the inaugural Po’okela Legacy Award at its annual membership meeting.

The award honors a professional who exemplifies visionary leadership and has made lasting contributions to Maui’s hospitality and visitor industry.

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association recently honored Gilbert “Uncle Bobo” Sablas, guest services manager at the Royal Lahaina Resort, with the inaugural Po‘okela Legacy Award at its annual membership meeting.

“Over the past 48 years, Uncle Bobo touched thousands of lives and has nurtured relationships with our guests into lifelong friendships,” said Bell.

“He is revered at our resort, beloved throughout Maui, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.”

Sablas’ dedication can also be seen in his tireless community involvement. He actively participates in the Aloha Week Festival and King Kamehameha Day celebrations, and he volunteers countless hours to the keiki Na Mele O Maui song competition and the March of Dimes. He also contributes to the Visitor Industry Charity Walk each year.

Bell added, “Uncle Bobo exemplifies the true aloha spirit and strives to live his life in a manner consistent with his favorite saying, ‘Always give, don’t expect and you will certainly receive a life of happiness and fond memories.’ “