MEET Philippe
Chef Philippe Haddad has dedicated his life to crafting unforgettable culinary experiences. He grew up in Bruges, Belgium, where his fascination with cuisine began during his teenage years. Chef Philippe honed his skills at Hotel School Ter Duinen, the most renowned hotel institute in Belgium, before expanding his culinary knowledge at kitchens throughout Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, Bermuda, the West Indies, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the United States. Through these experiences, he gained valuable insight into the customs and cultures surrounding each country’s unique culinary traditions.
Drawing on his elite training and boundless passion, Chef Philippe has worked at some of the most prestigious restaurants, hotels, resorts, private clubs, and private yachts. His accomplishments include serving as a chef for L’Escoffier in The Beverly Hilton Hotel and The St. James Club in Antigua and Paris, E.A.M. Food and Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas, and opening Philippe’s Bistro, a Zagat-rated Buckhead hotspot, in 1999.
His work with luxury brand hotels and resorts on food and beverage initiatives, induction into The French Culinary Academy in 2017, recognition from The James Beard Foundation, and receipt of a Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA) award further attest to his culinary excellence. In Atlanta, GA, Chef served as the Executive Chef at F&B, The Abbey, Nikolai’s Roof and Cape Dutch, and the Chef de Cuisine at the Occidental Grand (now the Four Seasons Hotel).
No matter where Chef is, he leads with a vision of culinary excellence. His leadership is rooted in a profound respect for tradition and innovation, ensuring that every dish reflects his passion for quality and creativity. Under his guidance, our team is dedicated to exceeding guest expectations through meticulous attention to detail and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
PROUD MEMBER
Chef Philippe's membership in the L' Academie Culinarie De France - USA (ACF) is a testament to his dedication to culinary excellence and professional growth. The ACF is a prestigious organization that promotes the highest standards of culinary education and certification. Being part of this elite network allows Chef Philippe to stay at the forefront of industry trends, continuously enhancing his skills and knowledge. This affiliation further solidifies his reputation as a top-tier chef committed to delivering innovative and high-quality culinary experiences for his clients.
executive chef & founder
PGH Hospitality group
Chef Philippe collaborates closely with restaurants and restaurant groups to develop forward-thinking goals, strategies, and visions, driving growth and enhancing dining experiences. He conducts comprehensive needs assessments to refine and focus leadership efforts on elevating guest services, product knowledge, and creative innovation in both front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) operations. Specializing in orchestrating bespoke Private Dining experiences, he tailors these to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. Chef Philippe has established and maintained prestigious partnerships with high-profile clients, including Tiffany & Co., Kale Me Crazy, True Story Brands, FedEx Cup, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, F&B Restaurant, Delta, Hilton, and Dior, delivering unparalleled culinary experiences that consistently exceed expectations. His expertise in culinary arts and event management has created memorable and distinctive events, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a leader in luxury dining and corporate catering solutions. Through his private dining offerings, Chef Philippe ensures that each event is meticulously crafted, reflecting the personal tastes and preferences of his clients, whether in intimate gatherings or large-scale celebrations.
Culinary Consultant at Galerie Living
Corso Atlanta
Chef Philippe has spearheaded the culinary vision as Curator and Culinary Consultant, elevating the dining experience with a focus on authenticity, innovation, and local flavors. He has pioneered a chef-led dining concept that merges traditional culinary techniques with contemporary tastes, inspired by a rich Belgian heritage and Southern influences. Leading Corso Atlanta through a significant phase of growth, Chef Philippe has expanded its presence to multiple locations nationwide, showcasing his leadership in scaling operations while maintaining quality and consistency. He designed dynamic menus that emphasize seasonal, local ingredients, directly contributing to the restaurant’s reputation for exceptional, nourishing, and connective food experiences. Moreover, he has fostered a culture of excellence within the kitchen and front-of-house teams, mentoring staff to ensure the highest standards of service and culinary creativity. His pivotal role in building community engagement through curated food events and partnerships, including a new program with Forbes Hospitality Training, has enhanced the brand’s visibility and impact across diverse markets.
MEET THE TEAM
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Senior Service Director
With over 30 years of hospitality experience, Ilona Knopfler brings international flair and extensive expertise to our team. Originally from France, Ilona's career began in Hong Kong at her family's award-winning restaurant, La Rose Noire. She moved to New York and then Atlanta, where she served as Chef and Catering Manager for Le Triskell. Her roles included leading the opening team at Le Bilboquet Atlanta, becoming Managing Partner, and overseeing operations in Denver. Now our Senior Service Manager, Ilona's dedication ensures every guest enjoys an exceptional dining experience.
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Sommelier
With nearly 20 years of experience, Joon Lim is a Level III advanced sommelier who oversees the wine offerings at Umi and M by Tasuku Murakami. His career includes roles as sommelier and assistant general manager for Kevin Rathbun's restaurant group, wine director for Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, and club sommelier at Atlanta’s Cherokee Town & Country Club. At Umi, Joon curates a diverse selection of wines that pair perfectly with modern Japanese cuisine, while at M, he provides a premium wine list for the omakase experience. Joon also operates an independent wine consultancy, attends private dining events with the Chef as sommelier, and volunteers with the Southeastern Sommelier Society.
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Sous Chef
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Eileen Pounds brings a wealth of experience in marketing and content creation to the team. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she designs menus, assists clients, and manages the administrative tasks that keep the brand running smoothly. Eileen’s role is essential in maintaining the integrity and presentation of Chef Philippe Haddad's culinary vision.
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Kelsey Croawell is the driving force behind Chef Philippe Haddad's social media presence. With a deep understanding of digital trends and a knack for engaging content, she curates and manages the brand’s online platforms. Kelsey’s creative approach and strategic mindset help to connect Chef Philippe’s culinary expertise with a wider audience, ensuring that the brand’s story is shared and celebrated across social media.escription
OUR CULTURE OF
CARE
When you hire PGH Hospitality Group, care is the cornerstone of everything we do, especially when we bring the dining experience to your home. We understand that hosting an event at your residence or business is personal, and we treat it as such. From the moment we step through your door, our team is dedicated to crafting an experience that reflects your style, preferences, and hospitality.
We take the time to understand your needs, ensuring that every detail is executed with precision and respect for your space. Our approach is one of anticipation—knowing what you and your guests might need before you do, and delivering it seamlessly. Whether it’s customizing the menu to suit your tastes or providing service that feels both professional and warm, we strive to exceed your expectations.
This commitment to care extends beyond just the event; it’s about creating lasting memories in the comfort of your own home. We believe that dining is an experience that should be both joyous and effortless for our clients, leaving you to enjoy the company of your guests while we handle the rest. Chef Philippe Haddad's team is here to ensure that every moment is as perfect as the meal itself.