The Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District named Chris Nelson as head chef and food and beverage director of its 252-room hotel located at 201 West Bay St. in the vibrant City Market area of downtown Savannah. The hotel is scheduled to open in March 2016.

With a dense background in Italian, French and coastal Southern cuisine, and a touch of a Creole flair, Nelson brings a diverse range of epicurean experiences to his new position at Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District where he is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the boutique hotel’s restaurant and bar, the Five Oaks Taproom.

In keeping with the refreshingly local vitality of the hotel, the Five Oaks Taproom will feature locally inspired and sourced menu selections created by Savannah’s innovative and award-winning Chef Nelson. Restaurant patrons and hotel guests will be delighted and inspired by the approachable and creative pairings found on the seasonal menus.

A Savannah native formerly of Dorchester Shooting Preserve in Midland, Ga., and Pacci Italian Kitchen in Savannah, Nelson has built an impressive rapport with the local community for his energetic involvement and philanthropic spirit. He generously volunteers his culinary talent at important community events including the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, to support the fight to end premature birth; the Candler Clays Charity Shoot benefitting advancements in cancer care; and the Gray’s Reef Ocean Film Festival.

“For the savvy individualist who wants a dependable but distinct hotel and dining experience, Hotel Indigo is where it’s at,” said Nelson. “I appreciate the locally inspired, thoughtful and stylish core brand values that define the Hotel Indigo experience, leaving guests feeling refreshed and inspired by the things they discover in our hotel. I’m looking forward to taking our patrons on a culinary journey and bringing our local, authentic Southern roots to the table.”