MASHANTUCKET, CT (December 6, 2023) – Foxwoods Resort Casino, the premier resort casino in the Northeast, announces that Executive Pastry Chef, Franck Iglesias, earned the prestigious Pastry Chef of the Year title at the 2023 CRAzies. This annual awards ceremony, presented by the Connecticut Restaurant Association, recognizes outstanding achievements in the region's culinary industry.

Franck Iglesias, Executive Pastry Chef at Foxwoods Resort Casino since 2009, has consistently delighted valued guests, including visiting celebrities, with his mastery in crafting exquisite cakes. Renowned for his signature traditional cakes and pastries, including truffles, macaroons, and cookies, led him to earn the title of Pastry Chef of the Year. His commitment to the art of pastry has significantly shaped the culinary landscape at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

"I am truly honored to be named Pastry Chef of the Year," said Franck Iglesias, Executive Pastry Chef at Foxwoods Resort Casino. "I extend my gratitude to the Connecticut Restaurant Association for the recognition and a heartfelt thank you to the Foxwoods Resort Casino team, who have supported me in sharing my passion for the art of baking over my 15 years here."

On December 4, during the CRAZies Award Ceremony Gala, Foxwoods Resort Casino welcomed guests to celebrate culinary success in Connecticut. The event recognized winners across more than 20 award categories spanning accolades such as Chef of the Year, Bartender of the Year, Hospitality Hall of Fame, and more.

"We are delighted to once again host the prestigious CRAzies Awards and celebrate the achievements of culinary professionals in our community, including our very own Executive Pastry Chef, Franck Iglesias," said Jason Guyot, President & CEO of Foxwoods Resort Casino. "His dedication to culinary artistry has undoubtedly enriched the experiences of our valued guests, and we are extremely proud of his achievements."

“The 5th Anniversary of the CRAZIES Awards Gala was a huge success for our association, for our industry, and for the tens of thousands of Connecticut residents we employ,” said Connecticut Restaurant Association President & CEO Scott Dolch. “The energy and enthusiasm of 1,400 industry professionals coming together demonstrated that Connecticut’s restaurant and hospitality industry continue to be a powerful economic engine, accounting for nearly 10 percent of all jobs in our state. The CRAZIES once again showcased the exceptional talents our industry has to offer, and we look forward to building on this success each and every year as we encourage everyone in hospitality to take part in this

annual celebration.”

As a prominent destination for premier entertainment and exceptional dining experiences, Foxwoods Resort Casino takes pride in deliberately hosting the CRAzies. This event serves as a spotlight on the numerous deserving local and regional culinary leaders who are actively innovating and contributing to the growth of the culinary scene in the state. By celebrating its achievements, Foxwoods underscores its commitment to recognizing and honoring the talent and creativity that enriches the culinary landscape, fostering a vibrant and dynamic food culture for both guests and the community at large.

For more information, visit foxwoods.com.

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About Foxwoods Resort Casino 

Foxwoods Resort Casino offers guests a premier destination resort experience throughout its six world-class casinos, AAA Four-Diamond hotels featuring over 2,200 rooms, dining options for all tastes, luxurious spas, award-winning golf, state-of-the-art theaters, Tanger Outlet Mall and conference space for groups of all sizes. There is always something new at Foxwoods, including the recently announced landmark deal with Great Wolf Lodge, opening in 2025, a new High Stakes Bingo Hall which opened July 2022 and our new 80,000 sq. ft. expo center which opened November 2022, giving guests more reasons to stay than ever. When it comes to sports betting and gaming, Foxwoods has partnerships with fan-favorite betting and entertainment platforms, including DraftKings and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe's recently formed WondrNation. For a detailed look at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation visit Foxwoods.com. 

About Connecticut Restaurant Association

The Connecticut Restaurant Association is a full service, not-for-profit trade association dedicated to supporting every type and size of restaurant. We are advocates for the Connecticut restaurant industry, a hub for information and a platform for networking. We commit ourselves to offering cost effective benefits and resources you need to run a profitable business. The industry plays an integral role in Connecticut’s economy employing more than 160,000 foodservice workers and generating nearly $9 billion in annual sales. Along with the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF), the Association protects, advances, and educates the growing industry. Learn more at www.ctrestaurant.org.