Melissa Donovan
Promenade at Sunset Walk, a vibrant dining and entertainment hub just minutes from Walt Disney World, is excited to announce the arrival of Executive Chef Sean Marzan and General Manager Sean Munson. With over 30 venues in the complex, the new leadership team will oversee operations at two popular spots: The Wharf at Sunset Walk, a seafood scratch kitchen, and Lizzie’s Memphis Style BBQ, a beloved quick-service BBQ restaurant. Both Chef Marzan and Munson bring diverse experiences to the table, with backgrounds from Puerto Rico and Scotland, respectively, and are ready to bring fresh perspectives to Central Florida’s culinary scene.
Chef Sean Marzan: A Journey of Passion and Innovation
Chef Sean Marzan, originally from Puerto Rico, began his culinary career as a food runner at the renowned Dragonfly restaurant. His hard work and passion for food led him to several promotions, eventually becoming Sous Chef at Verde Mesa, voted one of Puerto Rico’s top restaurants. In 2017, Marzan pursued culinary school and graduated with honors in Advanced Pastry Arts. Over the years, he honed his skills at various acclaimed restaurants, including Moxie, Prati Italia, and Town Hall in Jacksonville, Florida.
“Before living in Puerto Rico, I was born and raised in New York. This has allowed me to compare many different cuisines, techniques, and culinary mindsets throughout my career. I feel I can bring this unique perspective to the table — a combination of styles, ingredients, and flavors served with unique twists,” Marzan said.
Chef Marzan’s experience is diverse, as he has worked with multiple cuisines and techniques, from Asian Fusion to Caribbean flavors. Being in such a culturally rich area like Central Florida, he said he feels it is a great place to greet customers with flavors from his roots and beyond.
“At any given point in Central Florida, you will see people from all over the globe,” Marzan said. “The necessity to develop a melting pot of flavors and cuisines is active. We, as industry leaders, have the opportunity to create and collaborate, making those who are thousands of miles away from home feel like they are in their backyard.”
Marzan said he understands the importance of bringing collaboration into the kitchen, as he looks to work with General Manager Sean Munson.
“The phrase that comes to mind is, “First seek to understand, then to be understood.” One of my passions in life is learning. Learning from those around me.” Marzan said. “The collaboration process as a head chef with management is very much an open concept, as each individual in the industry has had their share of experiences on both sides of restaurant management and restaurant guests. Everything from menu development to team building is discussed to gather different ideas that result in the best possible outcome.”
General Manager Sean Munson: A Global Perspective on Hospitality
Sean Munson, who hails from Orkney, Scotland, brings a wealth of experience to his role at Promenade at Sunset Walk. Munson began working in the food and beverage industry at his family’s hotel, where he learned the value of hard work and passion for hospitality. Over the years, he has held various positions, from dishwasher to bartender, eventually rising to General Manager. In 2019, Munson relocated to Florida and joined the Slate & Gibsons Restaurant Group before joining the NDM Hospitality Family in 2024.
“I always tell people I came for the weather and ended up getting married. The opportunity to work in one of the best hospitality cities in the world was just an added bonus,” Munson said.
Living in Florida has given him the chance to try a variety of new cultures’ dishes and flavor profiles, an opportunity he said does not come so often in Scotland. Now managing two restaurants with completely different cuisines he said it’s nice to keep things fresh and exciting every day.
Going into managing The Wharf at Sunset Walk and Lizzie’s Memphis Style BBQ, Munson plans to keep the guests at the top of his priorities.
“You cannot make any single decision in the restaurant without thinking ‘how will this affect the guest”? Ultimately, this comes with building a team of like-minded individuals who all have the common goal of making every guest who comes in want to come back. I believe that any role in the restaurant’s primary job description is to make people happy,” Munson said.
Looking Ahead: Exciting Growth at The Wharf and Lizzie’s Memphis-Style BBQ
With their combined expertise and vision, Chef Marzan and Munson are poised to take The Wharf at Sunset Walk and Lizzie’s Memphis Style BBQ to new heights. Both venues are known for their unique concepts and high-quality offerings, and their continued success will rely on the leadership and creativity brought by Marzan and Munson.
“I’m looking forward to growth. The growth in popularity of both restaurants with unique concepts. The growth of my team and line cooks toward their professional careers,” Marzan said. “Lastly, my own personal and professional growth in working with and alongside pioneers in the industry, learning and continuing to build a foundation for the future.”
As Promenade at Sunset Walk continues to thrive as a top dining and entertainment destination near Walt Disney World, guests can expect even more innovative dining experiences, driven by the leadership of Executive Chef Sean Marzan and General Manager Sean Munson.
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