Wrigley Mansion Announces a Roster of New Talent
The Historic Phoenix Landmark Welcomes Impressive Talent
(PHOENIX AZ- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) Geordie’s Restaurant and Lounge at the historic Wrigley Mansion welcomes expert talent that promises to elevate the fine dining and special event venue even further.
Executive Chef David Brito is at the helm of Geordie’s Restaurant and Lounge, coming with an exceptionally strong background. Chef David’s experience includes Executive Chef at Monarch and Sous Chef of Reserve, its sister restaurant in Scottsdale, Chef de Tournant under Chef Alex Stratta, a two-star Michelin and James Beard Chef. Other top Arizona restaurants that have honed his skills include Prado at Omni Restorts and Spa, Weft & Warp at Andaz Resort & Spa, FOUND.RE hotel, and Kai Restaurant, the only Forbes five-star and AAA five-Diamond restaurant in Arizona.
It’s no secret that Geordie’s Restaurant within the historic Wrigley Mansion is home to one of the finest restaurant wine collections in the country. With more than 96,000 bottles of wine poured each year, and multiple prestigious awards received, Geordie’s is upping its game even further with a strong staff of sommeliers and the goal of winning Wine Spectators Grand Award. Only 97 restaurants have achieved this honor. As General Manager of Wrigley Mansion, Advanced Sommelier Jason Caballero has brought on two experienced sommeliers.
Advanced Sommelier Mark Guillaudeu has already passed the theoretical and service portions of the Master Sommelier Diploma and is preparing for the final test. An Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers since 2018, Mark managed the wine and cocktail programs at Commis in Oakland for five years, earning accolades for both programs while balancing studies in the Master of Wine program with competitive successes culminating in the title of Best Sommelier USA in June of 2022 and later becoming the first American in history to advance to the semi-finals in the grueling world championship in Paris in 2023.
Sommelier Devon Jessee is Wrigley Mansion’s Assistant Wine Director. She is originally from Denver, Colorado, spent time in Hawaii, Spain, and Virginia and moved to Phoenix in 2015. She has been in the restaurant industry for 13 years, working mostly in front-of-house positions from host to server to manager. Devon received her Certified Sommelier credential through the Court of Master Sommeliers in December of 2021 along with the Walter Clore Scholarship, awarded to the highest grade on the exam. A sommelier for the past four years, Devon previously held positions Fox Restaurants and Maple and Ash.
Doug Burgess joins Wrigley Mansion as Assistant General Manager. He has a full background in Food and Beverage including a Bachelor of Science in Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University. He earned a Level III WSET Certification in Wine, and Level II Certification in Distilled Spirits. Most recently Doug held the position of Assistant General Manager at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse in Boston, MA.
About Wrigley Mansion: Wrigley Mansion, a breathtaking hilltop estate built in 1931 by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., is a premier fine dining and special event venue in Phoenix, Arizona. Sitting at the top of a hill with sweeping views of the city, Wrigley Mansion is home to Geordie’s Restaurant & Lounge, Jamie’s Wine Bar, and Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion. Chef Christopher Gross, a James Beard award-winning chef, helms the kitchen at Christopher’s where menu options vary by the day of the week ranging from his classics to an intimate tasting menu. Geordie’s team is led by Chef David Brito and offers dinner, bar bites, live Jazz Fridays and Sunday Brunch. Jamie’s Wine Bar is a swanky pre- or post-dinner oasis for any occasion. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasting beautiful architecture with elements of Spanish, California Monterey and Mediterranean styles, the Wrigley Mansion offers an elegant setting for dinner and drinks, lavish weddings, events, and celebrations of every kind. WrigleyMansion.com