PRESS RELEASES
Industry Expert to Oversee Award-Winning Program at Iconic Central Coast Resort
April 24, 2023
MONTECITO, CALIFORNIA - Rosewood Miramar Beach, the Forbes Five-Star resort located on an exclusive oceanfront stretch in Montecito, CA, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sam Penton as its new director of bars. In his new role, Penton will oversee the cocktail program at the resort's seven distinctive venues, including Michelin-Star and Michelin- Green-Star Caruso's, Michelin Recognized AMA Sushi, and The Manor Bar, the resort's craft cocktail destination. He will also design special cocktails and spirit packages for meetings and events at the resort.
Penton brings extensive experience from various roles at critically and popularly acclaimed venues to the position. A graduate of Arizona State University, he spent the majority of his professional career working with the venerable bar Death & Company, recognized among The World’s 50 Best Bars, where he most recently served as general manager of the group’s Denver location. In 2020 Penton returned to Arizona where he took on a leadership role with THAT Place Projects and was quickly promoted to Director of Bars. Shifting gears, he moved to the east coast in 2021 to open Little Palm in Charleston, SC, which was named one of Esquire’s Best Bars, 2022. A finalist for Diageo’s World Class Bartender of the Year 2022 and current competitor for the 2023 World Class Championship, Penton looks forward to sharing his creative craft cocktails and competitive spirit with the team. With a passion for designing innovative and memorable cocktails, and spirits expertise, he is poised to elevate the beverage program at Rosewood Miramar Beach to new heights.
“With Sam’s strong background and pedigree, we are thrilled to have him at Rosewood Miramar Beach to spearhead our extensive cocktail program and take it to loftier heights,” says Yannick Augy, director of food and beverage, Rosewood Miramar Beach.
In his new role, Penton will work closely with the food and beverage team to develop new cocktails, welcome acclaimed partners, and enhance the overall dining experience at Rosewood Miramar Beach. Key among his responsibilities is oversight of The Manor Bar, the craft cocktail destination at the heart of the resort, featuring inventive cocktails in a classic setting. He will also be responsible for training and managing the resort's bar staff, ensuring that guests receive the highest level of service.
"What excites me most about joining Rosewood Miramar Beach is the clear camaraderie amongst the team and the pursuit of excellence throughout the property, particularly its world-class hospitality,” said Penton. "I look forward to helping distinguish an already extraordinary drinks experience further with a program that blends an inventive and classic approach to cocktails where there is something for everyone.”
