Prominent Local Chef Embraces New Role at Harbor’s Edge Retirement Community
June 4, 2018
NORFOLK, VA–Chef Willie Moats now has a few other hats to wear at Harbor’s Edge besides his traditional toque blanche. It comes following his promotion from executive chef to vice president of food operations and dining at the Norfolk-based senior living community.
“I can’t express how fortunate we’ve been the last seven years to have a chef of his reputation and caliber leading our kitchen,” said Neil Volder, founder and developer of Harbor’s Edge. “With our River Tower expansion on the horizon, bringing with it several new dining venues, it’s only natural Chef Moats takes on an expanded role. His influence on our menus has been undeniable, and I have no doubt his leadership will assure we remain on equal footing with some of the finest restaurants in the area.”
For more than 30 years, Moats, a Norfolk native, has shared his talents with some of the most popular eateries in Hampton Roads, including 456 Fish, The Princess Anne Country Club Timbuktu and Byrd & Baldwin. He’ll now oversee all dining venues at the community, including those in higher levels of living and new venues coming with the River Tower expansion.
“I appreciate the confidence Harbor’s Edge has placed in me and look forward to the challenge of elevating the dining experience here even further,” said Moats. “My goal is to not simply be known as a senior living community that serves amazing food, rather a place with amazing food that just so happens to be what I refer to as a senior living resort. We’re absolutely on the right track, and I’m excited to take things up a notch.”
Reuniting with Moats at Harbor’s Edge is John Huber, who’s been appointed the community’s director of dining. Huber most recently served as assistant general manager at McCormick and Schmick’s in Virginia Beach, but worked with Moats to open Norfolk’s 219 Bistro. Huber has more than 25 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Harbor’s Edge currently has three dining venues – gourmet dining at The Harbor Room, traditional restaurant-style dining at The River Terrace Dining Room and bistro-style/grab-and-go dining at Café Norfolk.
The community has unrivaled views of downtown Norfolk and the Elizabeth River. It balances an active lifestyle and the security of a true LifeCare program, all with the refinement of upscale apartments, programs and amenities.