Brian Agoncillo

Director of Food & Beverage / Executive Chef

Chef Brian began his culinary journey in 1996 as a dishwasher and prep cook at TGI Friday’s while studying at the University of Florida. It was there he discovered a passion for blending creativity and artistry with food, gaining early experience catering university banquets and events for UF President John Lombardi.

After moving to Tampa, Brian joined Sheraton Suites as Executive Chef, where he showcased his talent at HotChef competitions and Starwood Food & Beverage Conferences. He later brought his skills to Carrollwood Country Club as Sous Chef, where he oversaw catering for club members events. A memorable highlight was catering the prestigious Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance event, which combined his love of food with his passion for automobiles and photography.

From 2015 to 2020, Brian served as Executive Chef at Hotel Alba, where he oversaw the opening of several signature restaurants, including Mojito’s and The Spaniard in Tampa, Bridge & Barrel in Jeffersonville, and The Switchlist in St. Louis. During this time, he was named the 2019 Sandwich Hunt Winner and featured in Tampa Magazine. He was later promoted to Director of Food & Beverage before returning to the kitchen to launch Aqua at the Westin Rocky Point, a concept inspired by fresh seafood and Filipino flavors, followed by menu development for Luna Lux at Hilton Carillon Park.

 Since 2021, Chef Brian has led the culinary team as the Director of Food & Beverage/ Executive Chef at COAST Kitchen & Bar, located in Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Westshore. There, he continues to bring innovation and artistry to the table, developing menus that highlight fresh flavors and memorable dining experiences for guests.

Holly Palfy

Restaurant Manager

Holly began her career in Food and Beverage in 2001, working as a hostess in a small restaurant. She was promoted to server not long after. In 2004, she got her first try at bartending and a new love was born. In 2013, Holly began working for The Cheesecake Factory where she quickly rose to the roles of Corporate Lead Trainer and Star Bartender. Referring to it often as “Hospitality Bootcamp”, Holly credits The Cheesecake Factory for driving her devotion for guest experience and high service standards as well as fueling her passion to create beautiful cocktails. In 2018, Holly was nominated by her leadership team for the coveted Cheesecake Factory Commitment to Excellence Award-the highest honor offered to less than 20 employees companywide annually.

Presently, Holly holds the role of Restaurant Manager at Coast Kitchen and Bar inside Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Airport Westshore. She proudly boasts her cocktail creations such as the Guava Mojito and Gin Basil Smash which made menu placement in the Spring of 2026. She’s a staunch supporter of local brewers and distillers and is thrilled with the introduction of the Tampa Bay based products which she added to the bar’s offerings.

Outside of work, you’ll find her with her mouse ears on parading around Walt Disney World as often as she gets the chance. She looks forward to achieving the goals of visiting every MLB ballpark as well as every National Park while traveling with her husband and son