Longstanding annual tradition brings Invited Clubs members to Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic to celebrate culinary excellence and select the company’s top chef and mixologist
DALLAS, Texas – Invited, a leading owner and operator of private golf and country clubs in North America, today announced that Mark Samson of Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California, has been named the company’s 2026 Chef of the Year, while Rico Langarica of Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, California, has earned the title of 2026 Mixologist of the Year.
The winners were voted by Invited Clubs members to participate in culinary and beverage competitions throughout the week amongst 7 other chefs and 2 other mixologists who traveled to Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in the Dominican Republic to participate in the company’s annual culinary celebration. A longstanding Invited Clubs’ tradition, the Chef and Mixologist of the Year competition brings together more than 400 talented culinary and beverage professionals from across the company’s nationwide portfolio of private clubs, giving members the opportunity to sample their creations and vote for their favorites.
Unlike traditional culinary competitions judged by industry professionals, Invited Clubs’ annual event puts the decision directly in the hands of its members — the very people who experience the company’s culinary and beverage offerings throughout the year.
“One of the things that makes this competition so special is that our members select the winners,” said Vincent Mauriello, Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage at Invited. “This has become a beloved tradition for Invited Clubs, bringing together members from across the country to celebrate the creativity, passion and extraordinary talent of our culinary teams. Mark and Rico exemplify the commitment to excellence that defines our food and beverage experience, and we’re thrilled to recognize their achievements.”
About Chef Mark Samson
Chef Mark Samson brings more than 15 years of experience across fine dining, high-end catering, innovative restaurants and private clubs. His career includes Michelin-rated Joe’s in Venice Beach, acclaimed Los Angeles restaurant groups and his own Farm Box Meal Prep, where he developed performance-focused meals for professional and collegiate athletes. Today, Mark brings his diverse experience and creative approach to the private club world, leading culinary teams and creating memorable dining experiences for members and guests.
About Mixologist Ricardo Langarica
With more than 15 years behind the bar, Ricardo Langarica brings together creativity, technique and genuine hospitality. His experience spans luxury hotels, private clubs and large-scale events, where he has developed cocktail programs, created seasonal menus, taught mixology and trained fellow bartenders. For Ricardo, a great cocktail is more than a drink—it’s an opportunity to create memorable experiences and bring people together.
About Invited Clubs
Since its founding in 1957, Dallas-based Invited has operated with the central purpose of Building Relationships and Enriching Lives®. The leading owner-operator of private golf and country clubs and city clubs in North America, Invited is relentless in its pursuit of providing extraordinary experiences, meaningful connections, shared passions, and memorable moments for its more than 325,000 members. With approximately 17,000 peak-season employees and a portfolio of more than 150 owned or operated golf and country clubs, city clubs, and sports clubs in 26 states and the District of Columbia, Invited creates communities and a lifestyle through its championship golf courses, workspaces, handcrafted cuisine, resort-style pools, tennis facilities, golf lounges, fitness centers, and robust programming. Invited Clubs properties include Firestone Country Club (Akron, Ohio); Mission Hills Country Club (Rancho Mirage, California); and The Metropolitan.
Media Contact:
Mary Jane Orman – maryjane.orman@invitedclubs.com
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