Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Traverse City, MI

Traverse City is not only among northern Michigan’s natural beauty but also renowned for its vibrant and diverse food scene. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is within that scene and is constantly striving to have food and service that goes above and beyond. With food being the cornerstone of the guest experience there is a focus on quality, freshness, and local flavors.

When asked what the best part of the job is, Executive Chef Auston Minnich’s answer was essentially the people. New faces to cater to and build relationships with, keeping long-term guests satisfied and coming back, and a close-knit staff that’s on the same page and collaborative. Service is a priority that has been ingrained in Chef Minnich over his 18 years in the industry. The Saginaw native studied culinary at Robert Morris University Illinois in Chicago, and from there stayed in the area, working at an Italian mom-and-pop and directing food service at a local community college. He then went on to fulfill a dream of working on the Las Vegas Strip – putting in 8 years at Gordon Ramsay Steak, where he heavily honed and developed his skills. He even met his wife Taylor there, but Michigan was calling him back, as it does to so many of us. 2021 is when the pieces fell in the right place to land him at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, where he now oversees the entire culinary operation.