Dellshire Resort in Wisconsin Dells has announced the promotion of Justin Draper as Culinary Director, where he will lead and oversee the resort’s food and beverage program across its six distinct dining venues. The resort reopened the Dawn Manor restaurant on May 1 of this year.
Dining is central to the resort’s experience, offering a curated mix of gourmet and more casual options across six distinct venues. The culinary program is anchored by the signature restaurant Blade & Barrel, featuring Wisconsin classics, alongside The Thirsty Dragon, a cozy fireside lounge; Scale Cove at Serpent’s Bay, a poolside swim-up bar; Kettle & Keep, a café and marketplace; and Gilded Spouts, located within the resort’s entertainment hub, Hero’s Hall. Complemented by the beloved off-site Dawn Manor, each outlet, from tavern-style dining to cocktails and hidden speakeasy moments, is designed to deepen the sense of exploration that defines the Dellshire experience.
Draper is a third-generation Wisconsin Dells chef. He joins the resort from Dawn Manor, the Wisconsin Dells restaurant he guided as Executive Chef and Co-Culinary Director, now part of the Dellshire Resort collection. In his new role as Culinary Director, Draper will oversee all six food and beverage venues both on- and off-site, working closely with chefs to develop menus, guide kitchen teams and ensure that each outlet delivers creativity, consistency and a lasting experience for every guest.
Benchmark Resorts & Hotels is a curated collection of more than 50 distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality, a leading management company. Located across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences, no matter the occasion.
“Dining at Dellshire is designed to feel like part of the adventure,” says Michael Lucero, General Manager of Dellshire Resort. “From the first bite to the last cocktail, each venue sparks a sense of discovery and creativity. Justin brings not only exceptional culinary expertise, but also a deep understanding of the Wisconsin Dells community and a genuine passion for storytelling through food. His ability to blend imaginative concepts with high-quality, thoughtfully sourced ingredients will be instrumental in shaping a culinary program that surprises guests while remaining authentic to the region. We’re thrilled to have his leadership as we bring this vision to life.”
Draper’s hospitality journey began early, inspired by his father and grandfather, both chefs. After graduating from Wisconsin Dells High School, he attended Le Cordon Bleu in Minneapolis, before working in kitchens across the country from Key West, Florida and Vail, Colorado to Portland, Oregon. He later returned home to Wisconsin Dells to co-found High Rock Café, which became a local favorite in downtown. Over the course of two decades, he built a reputation for inventive dishes, bold flavors and a welcoming atmosphere that helped cultivate a vibrant restaurant scene in Wisconsin Dells. Most recently, he oversaw Dawn Manor as its Executive Chef and Co-Culinary Director, where he established its reputation for timeless American cuisine.
“Dellshire Resort is bringing something entirely new to Wisconsin Dells, and that’s what makes this opportunity so exciting,” says Draper. “Having been part of Dawn Manor, I’ve seen firsthand how much this community values great dining, and now we have the chance to build on that in a way that’s more immersive and experience-driven. Across the resort, we’re creating culinary moments that feel unexpected, unforgettable and truly part of the story for both locals and guests alike.”
