Senior Level Hospitality Promotions Announced At Peddler's Village

LAHASKA, PA — Peddler’s Village has announced the promotions of two senior-level employees -Matt Bender, who previously served as director of restaurants, to director of hospitality operations, and David Perini, who was the executive chef at Cock ‘n Bull, to culinary director.

As director of hospitality operations, Bender will oversee the six Peddler’s Village-owned restaurants, the Golden Plough Inn, and the indoor family fun center, Giggleberry Fair.

As culinary director, David Perini will be responsible for the preparation, management, and presentation of all food and beverages at all Peddler’s Village-owned restaurants. All executive chefs will now report to David.

The promotions were announced by CEO Bob McGowan, who was also recently promoted.

“We are extremely fortunate to have these two talented leaders who have already elevated our hospitality operations significantly,” said McGowan. “I have absolute confidence that in these new roles they will continue to improve our businesses as well as the level of guest service in all of our operations.”

Matt Bender has been promoted to director of hospitality. (Photo by Stacey Crescitelli )

In 2020, during the Covid challenge, Matt Bender joined Peddler’s Village as the general manager of Cock ‘n Bull, the largest and most iconic restaurant on the property. He quickly distinguished himself as a strategic and talented leader whose interpersonal skills and commitment to quality impressed guests and fellow employees alike. He was promoted to director of restaurants in 2021, a role in which he oversaw the culinary and business operations for the six dining establishments owned and operated by Peddler’s Village.

Prior to joining Peddler’s Village, Bender served as the event manager at a five-star luxury resort in Deer Valley, Utah, owned by Montage Hotels International. He was also founder and president of The Standard Club, a private social club with fine dining in Doylestown, and owned and operated a 7,000-square-foot restaurant in Portland, Oregon that was named “Best of” by Food & Wine. Bender holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering.

In 2021, David Perini joined Peddler’s Village as executive chef of its flagship restaurant, Cock ‘n Bull. In this role, he executed a major refresh of the culinary operations, redefining the menu, reorganizing the kitchen, re-opening the long-dormant bakery, and earning successive five-star reviews. Recognized for his culinary talents, management skills, and commitment to guest satisfaction, Perini rapidly became an integral part of the Peddler’s Village hospitality businesses.

Prior to joining Peddler’s Village, Perini was the executive chef for the Phillips Van Heusen Corporation Dining Room in Bridgewater, New Jersey, and the executive chef at Rat’s Restaurant at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey. He also served as executive chef at the Continental Midtown in Philadelphia. Perini is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America as well as Haverford College.

David Perini has been promoted to the village's culinary director. (Photo by Stacey Crescitelli )