Chef Stephen Toevs currently holds the position of Senior Director of Culinary Development at Marriott International, headquartered in Bethesda, Md.
Raised in Bristol, Rhode Island, Toevs spent his formative years shucking clams and fishing in the waters of Narragansett Bay. His early fascination with food stemmed from his Portuguese heritage, family meals, and the culinary inspirations of Julia Child. At 16, he began his culinary journey working at a local clam shack and later in Italian restaurants throughout Providence. While initially pursuing an engineering degree in college, his passion for cooking led him to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), where he graduated with honors in 2003.
Toevs has spent over 20 years with Marriott International, beginning his career in the prestigious management development program at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. He quickly rose through the ranks and was a finalist in the Chaine des Rotisseurs young chef competition. His career has taken him to renowned properties across the U.S., including the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, JW Marriott Scottsdale, The Ritz-Carlton Phoenix (where he was nominated for Marriott’s Rising Star Award), The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, and The Ritz-Carlton Aruba. During his time in Aruba, he actively engaged with the local community, supporting historical landmark restorations and establishing a mentorship program with a local culinary school.
Now based in Bethesda, Toevs remains committed to giving back, volunteering with Community Food Rescue. This charity transforms surplus food into meals for homeless shelters and needy organizations. His culinary expertise has been showcased at prestigious events such as the JW Marriott Food & Wine Festival in Venice (2018 & 2019), José Andrés Food & Wine Festival, The Ritz-Carlton’s Cayman Cookout (2013 & 2023), and recently at the Chef Culinary Collective in Parma, Italy.
Beyond his professional achievements, Toevs enjoys mastering the perfect pan pizza, competition BBQ, CrossFit, golf, and spending time with his wife, teenage children, and their golden retriever, Daisy.