Meet Chef Samantha Cruz

There’s a new chef in town, and she’s bringing a bold blend of Southern soul, Cuban flavor and Dominican flair to Enmarket Arena. Meet Chef Samantha Cruz, the arena’s new Executive Chef. With experience across 22 properties, Cruz, pictured below, playfully poses with her culinary résumé like a collection of medals, proudly showcasing the kitchens, experiences and lessons that have shaped her craft. Add in restaurant partnerships in Mobile and Miami and a culinary identity rooted in her Cuban and Dominican heritage, and Cruz is ready to bring her own bold personality and flavor to the arena dining experience.

For visitors discovering Savannah, Enmarket Arena is a modern addition to the city’s entertainment scene, located just west of downtown. The 9,500-seat venue welcomes concerts, sporting events, family entertainment and community gatherings, giving visitors another reason to venture beyond Savannah’s historic squares and charming streets. Now, its culinary program has a new voice and she’s ready to give guests another reason to arrive hungry.

Cruz’s earliest memories of the kitchen are rooted in togetherness. Growing up, she learned that a memorable meal isn’t necessarily about having the most; it’s about what you do with what you have. Her family cooked together and shared meals whenever they could. Some of her fondest memories involve a Caja China, the traditional roasting box used to prepare whole pigs, while others take her back to her grandmother teaching her how to make empanadas. Those recipes carried more than flavor, they carried family history. Now, guests at Enmarket Arena will have the special treat of tasting those empanadas for themselves. For her, that is what cooking has always been about: love, family and community.

Today, Cruz describes her cooking as a bridge between cultures. She blends Southern and soul food traditions with Cuban, Dominican and broader Latin influences, elevating familiar dishes through technique, creativity and plenty of personality. She isn’t interested in making food complicated; she wants to make it memorable.

That approach opens plenty of possibilities in Savannah, where barbecue, seafood and soul food provide a natural foundation for her style. Cruz sees an opportunity to take those familiar favorites somewhere unexpected, proving that Southern and Latin flavors can be upscale, creative and unforgettable.

For arena guests, that means concessions with a personal twist and dishes that feel right at home in Savannah.

Cruz was drawn to Savannah for its coastal character, warm climate, historic charm and rich food culture. As someone who calls Miami home, she loves being near the water and finds Savannah’s warmth familiar. But she also wants the arena to feel connected to its surroundings. She hopes to explore partnerships with local farms, meat producers, restaurants and small businesses, seeing local sourcing as a way to support the community while helping guests understand where their food comes from.

Cruz thrives under pressure. Her introduction to televised cooking competitions began when she was contacted through Instagram. Thinking it might be a prank, she was surprised to discover the opportunity was legitimate, landing her on The Food Network. She took the chance and loved it. The cameras, competition and pressure only sharpened the determination that now defines the way she leads her kitchen. She holds her team to high standards while giving them room to create, balancing discipline with the enthusiasm and positive energy she brings to the kitchen. Her goal is simple: send guests home talking about what they ate, surprised by how good arena food can be and already planning their next visit.

Cruz isn’t simply changing what’s on the menu, she’s bringing a perspective shaped by family, culture, experience and ambition. And while the music may be what draws the crowds to Enmarket Arena, it won’t be the only thing making an impression. “I’m here to be heard,” she says. And Savannah is listening.

So come hungry and make a little room for something unexpected. Chef Samantha Cruz is serving up the good stuff.

Enjoy Savannah and tell them we sent you!