Welcome Chef Pedro Flores to the 81 Oaks Family

A culinary leader with decades of award-winning experience is bringing his passion for hospitality — and some extraordinary food — to our dining room.

81 Oaks Senior Living  ·  April 2026

Great dining isn’t just about food — it’s about feeling at home, cared for, and celebrated. That’s exactly the spirit Chef Pedro Flores brings to 81 Oaks Senior Living, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him to our community.

Chef Pedro officially joined us on March 16th, and from day one, his warmth, creativity, and deep love of hospitality have been felt throughout our dining room. He is a true community treasure, and we’re honored he’s chosen to make 81 Oaks his home, too.

“Pedro brings amazing energy, high-level culinary skill, and a wealth of fresh ideas for cuisine, themed dining experiences, and special events.”

A career built on excellence

For over 15 years, Chef Pedro served as Executive Chef at Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar — one of Sarasota’s most beloved dining institutions. There, he led high-volume culinary operations serving thousands of guests each season, never compromising on quality, creativity, or genuine hospitality.

His distinguished career speaks for itself:

See it for yourself

Chef Pedro’s artistry isn’t something you just hear about — it’s something you experience. Since joining us, he’s transformed our dining room into a space where every event feels like a celebration. From hand-carved fruit sculptures and elegant charcuterie displays to refined small plates and fresh seasonal menus, the level of care he puts into every detail is something our residents notice and love.

Hand-carved fruit displays and refined small plates — a glimpse of Chef Pedro’s artistry.

The fruit and cheese spreads he creates are a signature of his style — sculptural, colorful, and made to delight. The carved melon swan centerpiece at our welcome reception drew gasps from everyone in the room.

Whether it’s a happy hour or a holiday dinner, every spread is an occasion.

Whether it’s a community happy hour, a holiday dinner, or a casual afternoon gathering, Chef Pedro approaches every occasion with the same professionalism and warmth he brought to Sarasota’s finest restaurants.

Avocado toast with salmon and burrata — one of Chef Pedro’s signature bites.

As seen on ABC 7

Chef Pedro and our Executive Director Meghan recently joined ABC 7 for a local news segment, where they shared a featured dish and offered viewers a glimpse into life at 81 Oaks. It’s a wonderful way to see his talent and personality in action — watch it below.

What this means for our residents

Chef Pedro’s vision goes well beyond everyday mealtimes. He’s already bringing themed dining nights, seasonal menus, and special event experiences that bring our residents and their families together around a beautiful table. His passion for cooking is matched only by his genuine love of people — and that’s what makes him such a perfect fit for 81 Oaks.

We are so glad he’s here. If you haven’t had a chance to meet him yet, stop by the dining room and say hello. One look at what he’s already created for our community and you’ll understand exactly why we’re so excited.