APPOINTMENT

Planters Inn Appoints John Ondo as Executive Chef of Peninsula Grill

Planters Inn has appointed John Ondo as Executive Chef of Peninsula Grill, its signature dining destination in Charleston.

Ondo returns to Peninsula Grill with extensive culinary experience and a strong connection to the restaurant, where he began his career as a line cook. In his new role, he will lead culinary operations, focusing on menu development and overall dining experiences.

His culinary approach is centred on seasonal, ingredient-driven cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood and Lowcountry influences. His experience includes working across European kitchens in Ireland, Spain, and Italy, where he developed a focus on seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques.

Ondo later returned to Charleston, where he founded and operated Lana, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, for over a decade. Most recently, he served as Executive Chef at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, overseeing multiple dining venues.

He is a graduate and former instructor at the Culinary Institute of Charleston and was named South Carolina Chef Ambassador in 2022 in recognition of his contributions to the culinary community.

In his current role at Planters Inn, Ondo will oversee Peninsula Grill’s culinary direction, with a focus on seasonal menus and regional influences.

The appointment marks a new phase for Peninsula Grill as it continues to build on its culinary legacy.