Lauren Teague, Director of Food and Beverage Andaz Savannah

Lauren brings new meaning to the word inspiration. People often say they love what they do but rarely is it displayed in every single encounter you have with that person. Her care is displayed not only when you watch her place the finishing touch on a beautiful food display, but also when she receives a compliment for a creation that came from one of her staff. Her proud, bright smile when she explains who on her staff created the culinary delight in question speaks volumes towards the depth of her love for what she does and those on her team. Lauren is also passionate about awakening the community. She is involved in Well FED Savannah, Friends of the Farmers Market, Savannah Chatham Food Policy Council, and many other organizations whose goal is to grow the movement toward healthy sustainable living in the Low country. Lauren participates in these organizations by holding tours at the Forsyth Farmer's Market where she talks through the basics of how to use farmer's market offerings to provide a farm to table meal at home. She is also involved in the West Broad YMCA and their farm, which assists children to grow produce and in turn eat healthier meals. She and her team also participated in the LEAN (Leadership, Exercise, Activity, and Nutrition) Challenge whose focus was for a Healthier Savannah. In her extra time, Chef Lauren mentors aspiring young female chefs by partnering with Savannah Technical School to provide externships under her leadership at the hotel. She inspires them daily as an example of what can happen when you not only believe in yourself but when your passion is also your occupation. In conclusion, Lauren is without a doubt among the best Hyatt has to offer and very much deserves to be recognized among our elite.