Easter Brunch by the River at Río 1854
April 8, 2026
Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet in Stillwater, MN at Río 1854
April 22, 2026
We are proud to welcome Chef Tony Kzaz to Río 1854, bringing over 20 years of experience leading high-level culinary operations across restaurants, hotels, and large-scale events. Known for his leadership, creativity, and commitment to excellence, Chef Tony joins our team with a proven track record of delivering exceptional dining experiences.
Throughout his career, Chef Tony has been recognized for his talent and consistency in competitive culinary environments, earning multiple awards that highlight his ability to combine technique, creativity, and flavor:
Winner, South Carolina American Culinary Federation Seafood Challenge (2018)
1st Place, People’s Choice Award, Trio Dinner Competition (2017)
1st Place People’s Choice Award and 2nd Place Chef’s Choice Award, Trio Dinner Competition (2016)
2nd Place, People’s Choice Trio Dinner Competition (2018)
These recognitions reflect not only his technical expertise, but also his ability to create dishes that connect with guests and elevate the overall dining experience.
Chef Tony’s professional journey includes executive leadership roles at respected properties such as the Royal Sonesta Downtown Minneapolis and Crowne Plaza MN West, where he oversaw full culinary operations including restaurants, banquets, and large-scale events. His experience spans luxury hospitality, high-volume kitchens, and top-performing restaurant concepts, consistently maintaining high standards of quality and guest satisfaction.
Known for his hands-on leadership style, Chef Tony focuses on discipline, food safety, and building strong culinary teams. His approach ensures consistency, efficiency, and excellence in every aspect of the kitchen.
At Río 1854, Chef Tony brings his passion for bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and thoughtful presentation to every dish. His vision aligns with our Latin Craft Kitchen concept, where tradition meets innovation and every plate tells a story.
We are excited to have Chef Tony leading our kitchen and look forward to sharing his culinary perspective with our guests, creating unforgettable moments by the river.