Chef Peter McQuaid, Jr. Announced as New Executive Chef at The Americano

The Americano Announces Culinary Sensation Chef Peter McQuaid Joining Celebrity Chef Beau MacMillan at North Scottsdale Hotspot

The Longtime Powerhouse Duo to Collaborate Again with McQuaid as New Executive Chef 

Scottsdale, Ariz. (PRESS RELEASE) - The Americano, the upscale Italian-inspired steakhouse helmed by celebrity chef Beau MacMillan, today announced Peter McQuaid, a celebrated culinary sensation and Food Network star, as its new executive chef, bringing the longtime collaborators together again at one of north Scottsdale’s most coveted dinner hotspots.  

A recipient of the James Beard Foundation Taste America Award, 26-year-old McQuaid is already a decorated chef with an impressive resume spanning some of the finest kitchens in the country, including Chef Daniel Boulud's Michelin-starred Restaurant DANIEL in Manhattan and previous work with MacMillan such as Money, Baby! in Las Vegas and the Valley’s iconic Elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain. He joins The Americano from his most recent position as executive chef at Cala at Scottsdale’s Senna House, which he helped open with MacMillan.

“I’m honored to join The Americano and for the opportunity to continue to work alongside Beau,” said McQuaid. “Our collaborations have been a cornerstone of my career and our shared vision for innovation has always driven me. I’m eager to build on our successes to create something truly exceptional.”

Revered for his remarkable talent and innovative approach to cooking, McQuaid gained national recognition as a three-time champion on Food Network’s “Chopped,” where he impressed judges with his creativity and technical skills. A fan favorite, he will appear on “Chopped Legends” tonight, Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. EST to face off with culinary greats again in a high-stakes cooking competition.        

MacMillan, a legendary Arizona chef and fellow Food Network regular, serves as director of culinary for Creation Hospitality, owner of The Americano. In this role, he guides the culinary direction across the brand’s portfolio of current and future projects, including the recently opened Tell Your Friends, a captivating underground cocktail and live music lounge located underneath The Americano. Marking the latest in a nearly decade-long mentor-mentee partnership, MacMillan will collaborate closely with McQuaid, who will oversee the restaurant’s day-to-day operations. MacMillan also continues to operate Cala in Scottsdale as a partner.

“I’ve been working with Peter since he was a teenager and it’s been incredible to watch him grow into the extraordinary chef he is today. I have no doubt in my mind he is a culinary legend in the making,” said MacMillan. “His talent, dedication and passion for the craft are unmatched. Over the years, we’ve created magic in the kitchen and I’m looking forward to continuing that journey as we shape the future of The Americano together.”

Trendy and sophisticated, The Americano offers a chic, moody atmosphere adorned with striking custom art and sculptures. The modern supper club-style dining room, with cozy crescent-shaped booths, rich leather chairs and butcher-block tables, provides an inviting setting where guests can enjoy a front-row view of the open kitchen and wood-fired grill, showcasing a nightly display of culinary craftsmanship. The newly revamped menu at The Americano by Chef MacMillan and Chef McQuaid will debut in late September.  

For more information on The Americano or to book a reservation, visit TheAmericanoRestaurant.com. 

About The Americano: Helmed by Chef Beau MacMillan, one of Arizona’s most notable and well-respected chefs, The Americano is an Italian-inspired steakhouse located in north Scottsdale. With a soulful menu of fine-aged steaks, house-made pasta, Italian antipasti and Mediterranean seafood, the restaurant balances approachable elegance with heartfelt, thoughtful service. MacMillan’s culinary vision shares the spotlight with an inventive cocktail program that is playful and intricately devised, setting the bar for luxurious libations in the city. For the wine connoisseurs, The Americano features a curated selection of 300 distinct wines from iconic, established, and emerging Italian and American labels. Adorned with eye-catching custom art and sculptures, it’s the place to see and be seen. The modern supper club-style dining room, with intimate crescent-shaped booths, rich leather chairs and butcher-block tables, offer front-row seats to the open kitchen and wood-fired grill where MacMillan’s team puts on a nightly display. For more, visit TheAmericanoRestaurant.com.

About Creation: Creation is a rapidly growing, versatile firm involved in real estate development, hospitality brand inception and alternative investments. Founded by David Sellers and Bob Agahi, the company has a current pipeline of over $4.5 billion of ground-up developments across six states. Operating at the industry’s highest standards, Creation is experienced in every facet of the development process with all services expertly handled in-house including purchase, entitlement, design, construction and sale. Creation Ventures, the firm’s alternative investment platform, has co-founded four companies since 2015 and participated in the funding of more than 90 burgeoning technology startups across the country. With dual headquarters in Phoenix and Dallas, Creation has landed on Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 list for two consecutive years, making it one of the fastest-growing companies in America. For more, visit CreationEquity.com.