Graylyn Estate welcomes Executive Chef Mark Fortino

Graylyn Estate and Conference Center is excited to announce Mark Fortino as the new Executive Chef. Chef Mark brings to Graylyn more than 30 years of experience in menu development and culinary innovation.

After discovering his love of the culinary arts, he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. He mastered his craft at the Ritz-Carlton on Central Park South and the world-famous Tavern on the Green. Chef Mark offers a wealth of experience and knowledge to Graylyn’s cuisine and culinary team.

“We are pleased to welcome Chef Mark Fortino to the Graylyn Team and Wake Forest Family,” said Vice President, Hospitality & Auxiliary Services John Wise. “The Graylyn culinary team works hard to provide exceptional guest experiences and excellent cuisine. From preparing a meal for a newlywed couple to preparing a mid-day meal for a corporate meeting guest, Chef Mark and his team will help make each culinary experience at Graylyn memorable.”

Chef Mark and his team are devoted to responsibly sourced ingredients, honoring the intentions of the Gray Family, and providing culinary experiences the family would be proud to share.

“I feel we need to honor the spirit of the Gray Family. Every dish needs to tastefully celebrate their heritage and philanthropic impact in Winston-Salem,” said Fortino.

Graylyn Estate restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations can be made online.

The Graylyn Estate, originally constructed in 1932, was once the private residence of Mr. and Mrs. Bowman Gray. In 1972, the property was donated to Wake Forest University, restored to its original splendor, and transformed into a boutique hotel and conference center. Graylyn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of Historic Hotels of America.

Graylyn Estate & Conference Center has been named a ‘Best Boutique Hotel’ in USA TODAY’s Readers’ Choice Awards. The Graylyn Estate landed in the top 5 in a ranking of the “10 Best Boutique Hotels” in the United States. North Carolina’s Beaufort Hotel in Beaufort and Everett Hotel in Bryson City were also listed in the top five.

Read more about the Gray Family & Graylyn Estate Collection on the University’s ZSR Library Special Collections website here.