InterContinental Hotel hires restaurant veteran Craig Baker as executive chef – Indianapolis Business Journal

A downtown Indianapolis hotel expected to open late this year has hired a longtime local chef to lead its food operations.

The InterContinental Indianapolis, the $100 million hotel expected to open in the fall inside the historic Illinois Building at 17 W. Market St., announced Thursday that Craig Baker has been named executive chef.

Baker most recently served as president of Indianapolis-based hotel and restaurant consulting group HAIV Hospitality and previously oversaw The AMP food hall at 16 Tech.

The InterContinental will feature two hotel-operated restaurants, the Serliana Cafe and the Astrea Rooftop Bar.

“This will be a masterclass in refined hospitality,” said Michael Moros, general manager of the hotel.“We are delighted to recruit our opening team now to help deliver urban luxury and timeless style. … Chef Baker’s level of professionalism and culinary talent demonstrates the first-class commitment our team will have to welcome our guests with the highest level of service.”

Baker has heavily involved in several Indianapolis kitchens, including The Local Eatery and Pub, Bent Rail Brewery, Napolese and Plow and Anchor. He also spent time in restaurants in Pennsylvania and the Eastern Seaboard and in Portland, Oregon.

“I’m deeply passionate about Indiana cuisine,” said Baker. “I’m excited to bring a global luxury hotel brand to Indy, where we can introduce the world to the flavors that make Indiana unique.”

The InterContinental is expected to open later this fall after on-and-off redevelopment by Indianapolis-based Keystone Group since 2016, with a substantial portion of the property undergoing renovations starting in 2022.

Baker and his restaurants have received numerous accolades, including his victory in the Best Chef category at the World Food Championships, where he’ll lead a team again this November, when the event is held in Indianapolis.

In addition to Baker’s hiring, InterContinental plans to make hires for several other positions in the coming months including rooftop bar general manger, director of housekeeping, marketing coordinator and director of finance, as well as several other front office, human resources and sales positions.