Boutique hotel hires new executive chef, food and beverage director

Hotel Haya, a boutique hotel in Tampa’s historic Ybor City, has hired Nathan Hardin and Jeff Carlson as executive chef and food and beverage director, respectively.

Hardin, according to a news release, is a Tampa native and previously worked at Steelbach, a restaurant in the Armature Works food hall, as executive chef. His dishes have been featured at the James Beard House in New York, and his resume includes stints at Highball and Harvest at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes and Miami Beach’s award-winning Yardbird Southern Table and Bar.

At Hotel Haya, he’ll oversee Flor Fina, the hotel’s on-site restaurant.

“We’re thrilled to showcase Flor Fina’s new lunchtime dining and invite guests to experience lunch in addition to our dinner and brunch menus,” Hardin states in the release. “As executive chef at Hotel Haya, I look forward to working with this talented team to highlight the unique cultures and flavors that inspire and further enhance Flor Fina’s culinary offerings.”

Carlson, the release states, comes to Hotel Haya with extensive experience in the hospitality sector, including stops in Atlanta and San Diego, where he led food and beverage operations at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres.

“I’m delighted to be appointed the new director of food and beverage at Hotel Haya and look forward to overseeing the property’s food and beverage operations to further elevate Hotel Haya’s world class service and authentic hospitality for all guests,” Carlson states in the release.