James Beard Award–Winning Chef Gavin Kaysen to Helm Signature Restaurant at Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort

Writing a new chapter in Naples’ dining scene, two-time James Beard Award–winning Chef Gavin Kaysen is set to debut The Merchant Room, the signature ocean view restaurant at the new Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort. Opening Fall 2025, the highly anticipated destination will showcase Kaysen’s celebrated artistry and bold culinary vision, bringing refined hospitality and world-class dining to Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The Merchant Room is a deeply personal project for Chef Kaysen—a name he once considered for his first restaurant, now finding its perfect home in Naples. Inspired by the spirit of service, The Merchant Room will embody a welcoming ethos where craft, care, and connection are at the heart of every experience.

A defining centerpiece of the resort, The Merchant Room will offer elevated new American cuisine and warm, thoughtful service in a refined oceanfront setting. Guests can expect menus that highlight Gulf flavors and evolve with the seasons, along with an expertly curated cocktail program that mirrors the bold flavors of the cuisine, including non-alcoholic pairings. It will be open serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Meticulously designed to reflect its coastal surroundings, The Merchant Room features tall ceilings, light wood tones, and lush textures that create an airy, welcoming atmosphere. A custom signature mural brings personality to the forefront, while an expansive terrace overlooking the pool and ocean doubles the dining space and offers spectacular ocean views.

A nationally celebrated chef, Gavin Kaysen brings decades of experience and wide acclaim as one of the most influential voices in American cuisine. He is the founder of Soigné Hospitality Group in Minneapolis, which includes the beloved Spoon and Stable—a Midwest icon and James Beard Award finalist for Best New Restaurant—as well as Demi, an intimate 20-seat tasting menu experience and Relais & Châteaux member. His portfolio also includes Mara at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, where Kaysen draws from his global culinary journey to create soulful, Mediterranean-inspired menus, and Bellecour, a French bistro and bakery with multiple locations across the Twin Cities. His philosophy of bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and heartfelt hospitality will carry through to his newest endeavor in Naples.

“It has been a dream of mine to expand our footprint beyond the state of Minnesota, and what better place than Naples, Florida,” says Kaysen. “There’s a natural connection between the two communities—so many Minnesotans spend time here, and we’re thrilled to offer them a taste of home, while sharing our hospitality with new guests as well. Having this opportunity in particular with the Four Seasons brand is pure bliss—the icing on the cake for me and my team. The relationship we’ve built with Four Seasons has been incredibly meaningful, and we’re honored to grow that partnership at this remarkable new property.”

With this partnership, Kaysen further strengthens his longstanding relationship with Four Seasons. Earlier in his career, he worked alongside Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud to open Café Boulud at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, setting the tone for a career defined by culinary excellence and innovation.

“Chef Gavin Kaysen is a dynamic and visionary culinary leader whose creativity and dedication to excellence perfectly complement our vision for our resort,” said Diego Angarita, General Manager of Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort. “His influence in elevating American dining culture and his passion for creating unforgettable experiences make him an ideal partner to help define the next chapter of Four Seasons culinary innovation.”

Located along more than 1,000 feet of white-sand beachfront, Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort will offer 220 accommodations, including 48 suites, along with 153 luxury residences. At its heart, The Merchant Room will stand as a beacon of culinary artistry and coastal refinement, anchoring this new era for Naples most anticipated resort. The expansive property will also feature a full-service spa, racquet sports facilities, a versatile meeting and event venues and a newly reimagined golf course by Fazio Golf Design. A lively Market Square, home to an eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants sits at its center and is purposefully designed to foster connection and community. For more information on Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort, please visit here.