Thompson promoted to executive chef at Prime 239 Steakhouse | News, Sports, Jobs

Prime 239 Steakhouse’s new executive chef Matt Thompson. PHOTO PROVIDED

Prime 239 Steakhouse founder George Lukas this week announced the promotion of Matt Thompson to executive chef, effective immediately.

With over 20 years of experience, including time at two of Milwaukee’s premier steakhouses, Carnevor and Ward’s House of Prime, Thompson joined Prime 239 as sous chef when the restaurant first opened its doors two years ago. He has been involved in every aspect of kitchen management including ordering supplies, reducing food waste and controlling food costs.

“Fine dining steakhouses demand precision and speed in preparing high-quality dishes, especially during peak hours,” Lukas said. “As sous chef, Matt consistently went above and beyond in his commitment to execute our dining concept. His creative influences on the menu and exceptional skills in preparing high-quality dishes, especially when it comes to fine cuts of meat and steakhouse classics, have been key to our restaurant’s continued success and contributed to the promotion,” he adds.

Thompson’s leadership in the kitchen and mastery of cooking techniques combined with his passion for exceptional dining and commitment to quality have helped establish Prime 239 as a standout steakhouse in Cape Coral.

“I’m honored to take on this new role and continue to elevate the dining experience at Prime 239,” Thompson said. “Our guests can expect the same commitment to excellence, with some exciting new culinary innovations on the horizon.”

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Thompson realized his passion for cooking at a young age, spending hours in and out of kitchens where he learned the finer aspects of superior products and ingredients. Before beginning his culinary journey, he attended the University of Dubuque in Iowa and worked in a windowless cubicle at a trucking company. Realizing his true passion lay in the kitchen, he made a bold decision to quit his job and relocate to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he honed his skills at the luxurious Gainey Ranch.

Once he became seasoned in this field, he aspired to work for Milwaukee’s premier steakhouse, Carnevor. Carnevor’s acclaimed reputation triggered a desire to enhance his skills by learning techniques used in fine dining restaurants. Chef Matt attained this goal, spending several years as Carnevor’s executive sous chef, honing his skills in cooking and aging fine meats, using premium products including Wagyu beef and Mangalitsa pork.

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Prime 239 Steakhouse, located at 1715 Cape Coral Parkway West in Cape Coral, specializes in-house wet-aged USDA Prime strip, T-bone and ribeye steaks along with fresh seafood matched with creative sides and original sauces. Prime 239 offers over 100 whiskey selections, a 300+ bottle wine list, creative craft cocktails and non-alcoholic selections in an upscale atmosphere with indoor and al fresco dining. Open for dinner 4-10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays. For reservations, call 239-673-8816 or visit prime239.com.