Chef Randy Nielsen Appointed Executive Pastry Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota announces the appointment of Executive Pastry Chef Randy Nielsen. With more than twenty years of experience across luxury hotels and resorts, Chef Nielsen brings an ingredient-driven approach grounded in technique to the resort’s pastry program.

In his new role, Chef Nielsen will oversee all pastry operations across the resort, including banquets, in-room dining, and signature outlets such as Jack Dusty, Rufa, Ridley’s Porch, The Club Lounge, and The Golf Club Grille. His work emphasizes bold flavors, contrast, and layered textures, with a strong focus on balance.

Chef Nielsen most recently served at The St. Regis Longboat Key, where he was part of the resort’s opening team, helping build the pastry program and lead a team focused on consistency and attention to detail.

“My style is modern and rooted in a sense of discovery,” says Chef Nielsen. “I actually fell into pastry early in my career and quickly became drawn to the creativity and precision it requires. What excites me most is creating those moments for guests, whether that’s through bright, layered flavors or cutting into a dessert and discovering different textures. Here in Sarasota, I’m inspired by what’s around me, from the colors of the coast to ingredients like local citrus and fresh strawberries, and I’m looking forward to bringing that into the pastry program.”

At The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, Chef Nielsen plans to introduce desserts centered on fruit, seasonality, and contrast, with layered textures and unexpected flavor combinations inspired by the surrounding landscape and local Florida ingredients. His approach is grounded in continuous learning and shaped by early mentorship that emphasized consistency, curiosity, and respect in the kitchen.

Beyond the kitchen, Chef Nielsen is an avid explorer of national parks and a collector of vintage bakery tools, interests that reflect both his connection to nature and his appreciation for the history of pastry. 

Chef Nielsen joins the team at a time of continued evolution for the resort’s culinary program, bringing a clear point of view to its pastry offerings.

For more information or reservations, please visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/sarasota.