This afternoon, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino announced that executive chef Peter Gebauer was named the 2014 Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation Chefs of Milwaukee. 

Gebauer has served as Potawatomi's executive chef since 2006, overseeing the culinary operations at the casino's seven restaurants – The Buffet, Dream Dance Steak, The Fire Pit, Locavore, Menomonee Valley Food Court, RuYi and Wild Earth Cucina Italiana – as well as catering operations. Annually, Gebauer and Potawatomi's various dining options serve almost 2.5 million guests and almost 700 on-property catered events. 

During his time at the casino, Gebauer has also implemented the Culinary Academy, a Potawatomi program that gives the casino's food and beverage employees a comprehensive education covering the culinary arts. Hundreds have completed the academy since its creation.

"I’m proud, but also very humbled by the honor," Gebauer said. "Milwaukee has many talented chefs and has truly undergone a renaissance when it comes to the culinary arts."

"Chef Gebauer has been integral in the growth of the food and beverage department at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino," said Don Sally, food and beverage director at Potawatomi. "More importantly, he has elevated the quality of culinary offerings here. His success is more than evident in the reputation our property has garnered and can largely be attributed to his leadership through education and mentoring."