Mission
Influenced by our beautiful surroundings and rich agricultural history, we provide our community with a guest-driven, chef-inspired dining experience, steeped in southern hospitality.
Vision
The Pinery was established and built to function as a touchstone of hospitality in our thriving community. Our goal each day is to ensure guests feel welcomed and well-fed; employees feel valued and inspired, and our city feels enriched and connected- to each other and to the past.
Meet Our Founder
Carol Sizer Holladay
After 26 years in hospitality, Carol Sizer Holladay recently fulfilled her lifelong dream of owning and running her own restaurant when she opened The Pinery on Lake Ivanhoe in Orlando, Florida.
Creating unforgettable guest experiences, delivering menus that are adventurous while still being approachable, and building a respected and rewarded team, encompass the fundamental tenants of her approach to the industry.
With wide-ranging restaurant experience across the south – from Boone, NC to Charleston, SC to New Orleans, LA – she is thrilled to be back in her native city of Orlando as she embarks on her new venture.
Meet The Chef
Chef Naomi Freeman
Born and raised in Amelia Island, Florida, Chef Naomi Freeman is an accomplished Executive Chef with over 25 years of experience in the culinary and hospitality industry. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of kitchens, from small family-owned restaurants to large-scale fine dining.
Naomi’s passion for cooking began at a very young age as she carefully watched her mother prepare traditional meals. She went on to attend culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy, where she graduated summa cum laude with two degrees.
As Executive Chef at The Pinery, Naomi has overseen menu development, restaurant operations, and special event catering. She is known for her innovative approach to classic dishes, incorporating unique ingredients and flavors. Under her stewardship, The Pinery was Michelin Star acknowledged for her creative menu.
In addition to her culinary expertise, Naomi is committed to sustainability. She prides herself on sourcing, using, and cross-utilizing local ingredients to minimize waste, while fostering and maintaining a positive work environment. Family Meal is her favorite part of the day because the entire staff comes together as what they really are- a family- and to Naomi, every single member of her staff is essential in creating an exceptional dining experience.
Outside of the kitchen, Naomi enjoys gardening and spending time with loved ones. She is excited to continue to bring her passion for food and her culinary creativity to The Pinery. Naomi uses her platform to make a positive impact on the Orlando community and always has the words of her favorite proverb close to heart: “Feeding the soul with beauty, kindness, and compassion is just as important as nourishing the body with food.”