Marc Kusche, who successfully turned around the culinary program at the Alfond Inn at Rollins, has left that Winter Park hotel to become the executive chef at Lake Nona Country Club.

According to Christopher Giannone, Alfond’s assistant general manager, the hotel, which is owned by Rollins College, has narrowed its search for Kusche’s replacement to two candidates. He said their search has included candidates locally and abroad, with experience in hotels or country clubs a key factor for consideration. The hotel’s executive chef oversees all culinary functions, including the critically acclaimed Hamilton’s Kitchen restaurant.

Giannone said that the offer to Kusche from Lake Nona Country Club was too good to pass up, and that he leaves under good conditions. “ We appreciate and are thankful for his endeavors at The Alfond and wish him and his family the best,” Giannone said in a message. “He was not only our Chef, but our friend as well.”