—Steve Penrod, Executive Chef, Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club
Meet the Class of 2025: Steve Penrod
- Age: 36
- Executive Chef
- Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club (Gold Canyon, Ariz.)
Steve Penrod transformed the dynamic of the back and the front of the house at Superstition Mountain G&CC. He changes the menu every two weeks, save for member favorites and staples. Members love the variety, and the culinary team is constantly learning new skills and techniques. The club’s everyday menu is phenomenal, but Penrod shines most during pop-up, wine, and specialty dinners, where he uses the freshest ingredients from local purveyors and makes unexpected pairings that leave members in awe. His imagination is never-ending, and it shows in everything he does.
Club + Resort Chef (C+RC): How do you feel about being recognized as one of C+RC's 40 Under 40 honorees, and what significance does this achievement hold for you?
Steve Penrod (SP): Being recognized is the ultimate validation and a true honor.
C+RC: What advice would you offer young chefs aiming to excel in the club and resort culinary industry?
SP: Turn yourself into a fanatic of the details, and strive to become 1% better each and every day. Always keep in mind that the only way to achieve your goals is to keep going. Keep pushing. It’s only failure if you stop trying.
C+RC: Can you share a personal challenge you've faced in your career and explain how it has shaped you as a chef?
SP: This is a very competitive industry, and it's very easy to become discouraged. It’s important to keep an open mind and become the encouragement—not just for yourself, but for the team around you.
C+RC: What are your future goals and your plan to achieve them?
SP: My goals are very simple: Keep learning, keep improving, keep teaching, and most importantly, keep creating memories!
C+RC: What inspired your career in the club and resort sector?
SP: Working at a private club allows me, as a chef, to get to know the membership on a deeper level. This ultimately allows the team to provide a truly special experience for each member. The potential to create a truly personalized experience is abundant, and I find great inspiration in that.
