Philadelphia’s SugarHouse Casino announced that Terry White, a 38-year veteran of the city’s culinary scene, will join the property as executive chef of Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House, the SugarHouse Casino Event Center and V.I.P. culinary.
White, a Philadelphia native, has held nearly every position in restaurant service. Most recently, he served as the director of operations for Frog Spring Restaurant Group (no connection to Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House) in Cape May, New Jersey. White opened M’Ocean as executive chef in Cape May in 2014.
“Terry’s background is the perfect fit for us, and he will be a terrific ambassador for both the SugarHouse and Hugo’s brands,” said Wendy Hamilton, SugarHouse Casino general manager. “Whether guests come to enjoy a traditional steak dinner or modern seafood dish, Terry’s food and his leadership will impress and delight.”
White is no stranger to the steakhouse scene, having also worked at Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group (New York) and Palm Restaurant Group (Chicago). White began his career as an apprentice in Georges Perrier’s pastry kitchen at Le Bec Fin.
“My goal is to make certain that guests enjoy their first taste of Hugo’s and that their experience ensures they will return again and again,” said White. “I’m looking forward to being part of this exciting moment in SugarHouse’s expansion.”
The opening of Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House is part of the casino’s $164 million expansion. Hugo’s is part of the nationally recognized Gibsons Restaurant Group (GRG) based in Chicago and the only restaurant group in the country to have its own USDA Certified Angus Beef Program. Located on the casino’s first floor, the restaurant will serve classic steakhouse cuisine with a modern twist. Hugo’s menu also boasts fresh seafood, along with an extensive wine and cocktail list, and impressive signature desserts.
Additionally, GRG is the exclusive caterer for the SugarHouse Casino Event Center, which White will also lead. The second-floor, 30,000-square-foot addition will feature GRG’s entire Hugo’s menu as guests experience floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of the riverfront and the Ben Franklin Bridge.
