Invited announced that Mark Samson of Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif., has been named the company’s 2026 Chef of the Year, while Rico Langarica of Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, Calif., has earned the title of 2026 Mixologist of the Year.
The winners were voted by Invited Clubs members to participate in culinary and beverage competitions throughout the week amongst seven other chefs and two other mixologists who traveled to Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in the Dominican Republic to participate in the company’s annual culinary celebration.
Mark Samson of Mission Hills Country Club, 2026 Chef of the Year.
A longstanding Invited Clubs’ tradition, the Chef and Mixologist of the Year competition brings together more than 400 talented culinary and beverage professionals from across the company’s nationwide portfolio of private clubs, giving members the opportunity to sample their creations and vote for their favorites.
Unlike traditional culinary competitions judged by industry professionals, Invited Clubs’ annual event puts the decision directly in the hands of its members — the very people who experience the company’s culinary and beverage offerings throughout the year.
“One of the things that makes this competition so special is that our members select the winners,” says Vincent Mauriello, Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage at Invited. “This has become a beloved tradition for Invited Clubs, bringing together members from across the country to celebrate the creativity, passion and extraordinary talent of our culinary teams. Mark and Rico exemplify the commitment to excellence that defines our food and beverage experience, and we’re thrilled to recognize their achievements.”
Rico Langarica of Old Ranch Country Club, 2026 Mixologist of the Year.
Chef Mark Samson brings more than 15 years of experience across fine dining, high-end catering, innovative restaurants and private clubs. His career includes Michelin-rated Joe’s in Venice Beach, acclaimed Los Angeles restaurant groups and his own Farm Box Meal Prep, where he developed performance-focused meals for professional and collegiate athletes. Today, Mark brings his diverse experience and creative approach to the private club world, leading culinary teams and creating memorable dining experiences for members and guests.
With more than 15 years behind the bar, Ricardo Langarica brings together creativity, technique and genuine hospitality. His experience spans luxury hotels, private clubs and large-scale events, where he has developed cocktail programs, created seasonal menus, taught mixology and trained fellow bartenders. For Ricardo, a great cocktail is more than a drink—it’s an opportunity to create memorable experiences and bring people together.
