William Bates

Years of Participation

Executive Chef of Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant – Eliza’s bar + kitchen

William was born and raise in Long Island, N.Y. At the age of 14, William started in the Culinary Business and by the age of 21 started to travel across the country as he developed his career. 

William began his travels in Michigan – Grand Rapids at Forest Hills Inn and Amway Grand Hotel. He then moved on to Montana – West Yellowstone at the Stage Coach Inn and Holiday Inn Conference Hotel. Looking for warmer weather, William moved to the Florida Keys and worked at the Islamarda – Cheeca Lodge & Spa. He went back to Michigan for a summer and landed at Mackinac Island’s Iroquois Hotel. William then returned to Cheeca Lodge & Spa before moving to Charleston in 2002. In Charleston, he has worked with Meritage, Five Loaves/Sesame, Locklear’s on the Pier, Harbour Club for 8 years as Executive Sous Chef and now Eliza’s bar + kitchen at Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant as Executive Chef. He has been with Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant since 2019 and has played an integral part in revamping the menu and restaurant atmosphere of Eliza’s bar + kitchen. William is known for providing upscale food in an atmosphere that fosters relaxation and an at-home feel.