Our Team

Dustin Whitfield

Executive Chef de Cuisine, Ariccia Cucina Italiana

Chad Howard

Chef Chad Howard is a skilled and dedicated Chef de Partie with 13 years of experience in the culinary field. A native of Opelika, AL, Chad is passionate in his work and dedicated to family and community. Chef Chad currently leads the kitchen in continuing to push culinary boundaries and delight guests with innovative dishes.

Dallas Kee

Pastry Chef, Ariccia Cucina Italiana

Chef Dallas Kee is the Pastry Chef at The Hotel at Auburn University, where she delights patrons with her unique hand-crafted pastries.

Originally from Newnan, Ga., and a graduate of the culinary program at The Art Institute of Atlanta, Chef Dallas found her love of the culinary industry at home on her family’s farm. She has showcased her pastry talents at some of the best restaurants in the country, including those within the The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando Great Lakes, and The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City.

Over the course of her career, Chef Dallas has been exposed to a multitude of exceptional pastry techniques, which helped sculpt her own unique style.

Brian Shaner

Restaurant General Manager, Ariccia Cucina Italiana

With over 30 years of experience in hospitality, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Oregon State University and an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts from the New England Culinary Institute. My career has taken me from Honolulu to Annapolis, building and leading teams dedicated to providing exceptional service.

Now in Auburn, I am honored to serve our guests alongside an outstanding team. I look forward to meeting you, sharing stories, and creating unforgettable experiences over a glass of exceptional wine.

Lindsay Edwards

Assistant Restaurant General Manager, Ariccia Cucina Italiana

Chef Dallas Kee is the Pastry Chef at The Hotel at Auburn University, where she delights patrons with her unique hand-crafted pastries.

Originally from Newnan, Ga., and a graduate of the culinary program at The Art Institute of Atlanta, Chef Dallas found her love of the culinary industry at home on her family’s farm. She has showcased her pastry talents at some of the best restaurants in the country, including those within the The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando Great Lakes, and The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City.

Over the course of her career, Chef Dallas has been exposed to a multitude of exceptional pastry techniques, which helped sculpt her own unique style.

Crystal Lee

Bar Manager, Piccolo 241 Jazz Lounge

Chef Dallas Kee is the Pastry Chef at The Hotel at Auburn University, where she delights patrons with her unique hand-crafted pastries.

Originally from Newnan, Ga., and a graduate of the culinary program at The Art Institute of Atlanta, Chef Dallas found her love of the culinary industry at home on her family’s farm. She has showcased her pastry talents at some of the best restaurants in the country, including those within the The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando Great Lakes, and The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City.

Over the course of her career, Chef Dallas has been exposed to a multitude of exceptional pastry techniques, which helped sculpt her own unique style.

Join Our Team!

In addition to our talented leaders, our Ariccia and Piccolo team works closely with several students in the Hospitality Management Program at Auburn University. If you are a student passionate about the hospitality or Food & Beverage business, we would love to hear from you.

Learn more about our open positions and joining our team.