Executive Chef of Banquets at The Breakers
Biography
An accomplished culinary professional with more than 40 years of experience, Jeff Simms holds the position of Executive Chef – Banquet Culinary at The Breakers Palm Beach, an iconic oceanfront resort located in Palm Beach, Florida. In this role, he is responsible for leading more than 100 banquet and pastry culinarians, while delivering unforgettable cuisine for the hotel’s meeting and event clientele (up to 25,000 guests per month).
Committed to sourcing the highest quality ingredients and presenting visually stunning dishes, Simms excels at customized menu development that showcases fresh, locally available produce and flavors unique to the region. His impeccable fare rivals that served in America’s finest restaurants.
Prior to joining The Breakers in 1996, Simms served as executive chef at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades including the Culinary Excellence Award from La Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the Outstanding Culinary Achievement Award from the American Academy of Chefs and the Distinguished Visiting Chef Award from Johnson & Wales University. Simms was inducted into the Honorable Order of the Golden Toque (2018) and became an honorary member of the American Academy of Chefs in 2016.
Under Chef’s leadership, The Breakers received the Award of Excellence from the American Culinary Federation (2012), and the Palm Beach chapter recognized Simms with the Chef Professionalism Award (2016), Chef of the Year Award (2011 and 2007), and the Member of the Year Award (2005).
Outside of his professional endeavors, Simms generously donates his expertise to numerous local charities such as the Children’s Home Society, the American Heart Association and the National Alliance for Eating Disorders. He also serves on the Advisory Board for Quantum House, where he is an active volunteer and fundraiser. Currently, Simms is a member of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and holds the position of First Vice President on the ACF Palm Beach County Chapter’s Board of Directors.
Photo Link: Chef Jeff Simms Headshot