Chef de Cuisine, Gerald Sombright brings over 15 years of experience, culinary pedigree and passion for precision to the kitchen at Ario, the signature restaurant at The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. Each night, Chef Gerald crafts dishes that are not only memorable, but also transcendent – flavored with hints of curiosity, possibility and pure goodness.

Gerald originally hales from St. Louis, Missouri where he cut his teeth at Cielo restaurant and Annie Gunn’s under the tutelage of James Beard award-winning Chef, Lou Rook. In addition, Gerald worked at Wit & Wisdom — A Tavern by Michael Mina located in Baltimore as well as The Four Seasons and The Westin in St. Louis and most recently as Chef at PB&G in the Four Seasons Resort, Orlando. In 2016, Chef Sombright was selected to compete as a “Cheftestant” on Bravo's Top Chef Season 14 filmed right here, in beautiful Charleston, SC. Chef Gerald also recently was invited to cook at the prestigious James Beard house in July 2017.