Executive Chef Chad Shaner transforms fine dining into an unforgettable narrative, where every ingredient and technique reflects innovation, precision, and passion.

Chad’s culinary journey began as a busboy in his mom’s restaurant and led him to a Navy vessel in Gaeta, Italy, where he served as the Captain’s Cook and discovered the power of food to inspire and connect.

After graduating the Culinary Institute of America, Chad spent the majority of his career honing his craft in New York’s esteemed Michelin-starred kitchens. He trained in the kitchens of Gotham Bar and Grill and Danny Meyer’s Union Square Cafe—two of New York’s most iconic restaurants, both honored with three stars from The New York Times . These experiences shaped his approach to excellence, discipline, and hospitality at the highest level.

As Executive Chef and Partner at Freeks Mill in Brooklyn, Chad earned two stars and a Critics’ Pick from The New York Times, along with back-to-back Bib Gourmand awards from the Michelin Guide.

Now at 14 Prime, he brings world-class expertise and a bold, thoughtful approach to every plate. With Chad at the helm, 14 Prime is redefining the fine dining experience in Jacksonville—and beyond.

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Meet Louis Kurz, the Jacksonville native redefining culinary excellence at 14 Prime.

For Louis, cooking has always been personal. Raised in Jacksonville, he found his passion in his grandmother “Grandy’s” kitchen, where Sunday dinners were about more than food—they were about tradition and connection. That passion took him to New York City in 2008, where he trained under James Beard Award-winning chef Missy Robbins. As a sous chef, Louis played a key role in helping the restaurant earn its first Michelin star and retain it for four consecutive years.

In 2014, Louis returned to his hometown, first leading the kitchen as Chef de Cuisine and later as Executive Chef at Black Sheep. In 2021, he brought his expertise to Restaurant Orsay as Executive Chef, where he continued to push boundaries and elevate Jacksonville’s dining scene.

Now, as Chef de Cuisine at 14 Prime, Louis combines world-class training with deep-rooted tradition, crafting dishes that celebrate his journey while setting a new standard for culinary artistry in Jacksonville.

For Pastry Chef Rachel Presutti, baking has always been second nature. She grew up in a family of bakers, where spending time with family and spending time in the kitchen were one and the same. When Rachel was just a bun in the oven, her mom was already decorating cakes — unknowingly passing down a love of pastry that would shape the rest of her life. By the time she was twelve, Rachel was selling homemade baked goods for a little extra spending money — already following the path that felt most like her.

She went on to study at Johnson & Wales University in North Carolina and the renowned École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie in France, refining her technique and deepening her creative vision. In Jacksonville, she built her pastry career at top kitchens including One Ocean Resort, Sawgrass Marriott, and Restaurant Orsay, where she blended precision and warmth into everything she created.

Now at 14 Prime, Rachel brings that same sense of joy and intention to every dessert she creates. Her approach is rooted in warmth — drawing from the nostalgia of family kitchens and the excitement of trying something new. Whether it’s a refined take on a classic or something entirely unexpected, her goal is simple: to make people smile, slow down, and savor life’s sweet moments.

Meet Jeff Hickman, the hospitality expert ensuring every moment at 14 Prime is unforgettable.

Jeff’s journey began at 14 years old as a busboy in Rhode Island, where he quickly learned that great service is about more than just the details—it’s about making people feel at home. That lesson became the foundation of a career spent leading some of the industry’s finest establishments, including the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Omni Resorts’ Oceanside Restaurant, Congress Tavern in Providence, and Mo’s Irish Pub in Milwaukee.

Now, as General Manager of 14 Prime, Jeff combines decades of experience with a passion for connection, ensuring every visit feels seamless, elevated, and memorable.

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Meet Matthew Carson, the creative force behind the bar at 14 Prime.

Matthew’s journey began where all great stories do—at home. Helping his mom cater weddings, he learned that exceptional hospitality is about more than food and drinks; it’s about creating unforgettable moments. That lesson fueled a career filled with passion, precision, and innovation.

After managing a speakeasy in Washington, DC, under the mentorship of Anthony Rivera, Matthew returned to Jacksonville, where he became the founding Bar Manager at Black Sheep. His talent quickly earned him the title of Jacksonville’s first Bartenders Brawl Champion,

cementing his reputation as a leader in the craft. He went on to become a co-founder of Sidecar San Marco and all of V Pizza’s award-winning cocktail bars to follow.

Now at 14 Prime, Matthew brings his signature creativity, attention to detail, and dedication to hospitality to a bar program that surprises and delights with every pour.