Chris and Peter Sereno - Owners
Business Partners and brothers, Chris and Peter Sereno discovered Naples, Fl. in 1988 as the perfect place to open their first joint venture, Maxwell's on the Bay. Seeking a waterfront setting, the Serenos chose the Village as the site and built a very successful and popular landmark restaurant in Southwest Florida.
After celebrating 20 years as Maxwell's, the decision was made to redesign and renovate. In 2008, M Waterfront Grille proudly opened to welcome guests. With a complete transformation of the dining areas, innovative new menus and expanded wine library, along with a devoted and experienced management team.
Favorite M attribute: It's All About the Passion
Adam Balavender - General Manager
Originally from Avon, CT, Adam graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence RI with a degree in Hospitality. He is proud to have worked for M Waterfront Grille and its affiliate restaurant for the past 23 years and was an integral part of the successful launch of M Waterfront Grille in 2008. Adam takes the reigns as the General Manager at M Waterfront Grille in 2016, he looks forward to putting his spin on the recipe for success of M Waterfront Grille for years to come.
Favorite M attribute: Creating a memorable experience for every guest
Jorge Peñalver - Executive Chef
Executive Chef Jorge Peñalver brings a global culinary perspective and a passion for hospitality to M Waterfront Grille. Born in Venezuela, Jorge discovered his love for cooking after moving to Argentina at age 19, where the vibrant food culture of Buenos Aires inspired him to study at the Argentinian Institute of Gastronomy.
His career later brought him to the United States, where he spent four seasons at The National Hotel on Block Island, Rhode Island, home to M Waterfront Grille's sister restaurant, The National Tap & Grille. He joined M Waterfront Grille in Naples in 2021 and has spent the past five years as Sous Chef, playing a key role in maintaining the restaurant's high culinary standards and commitment to exceptional guest experiences.
As Executive Chef, Jorge combines international experience, a dedication to quality ingredients, and a deep understanding of M's culture to lead the kitchen team and continue the restaurant's tradition of excellence on the Naples waterfront.
Favorite M Attribute: Honoring the traditions our guests love while continuing to evolve the menu and create exciting new dining experiences
Mimi Trautschold - Manager
A true Minnesota girl, Mimi attended St. Cloud University before venturing to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to begin her career in the hospitality business. In 1988, Mimi settled in Naples, Fl with her new job at Maxwell's on the Bay. She is proud to be active part in the launching of M Waterfront Grille in 2008, continuing her active role in the company for 37 years. .
She truly enjoys greeting long time guests as well as welcoming new friends to the restaurant. Making everyone feel comfortable and well cared for is the hallmark of Mimi's management style.
Favorite M attribute: Great people are the whole game
Maria Watson - Private Dining + Events Coordinator
Originally from the United Kingdom, Maria holds a Bachelor's Degree in Tourism and Business Management. Her journey in hospitality began in 2010 with an internship at our sister property, the National Hotel on Block Island, RI. Over six seasonal years there, she developed a deep passion for guest experience.
In 2012, following the completion of her studies, Maria relocated to Naples, Florida, where she joined M Waterfront Grille as a hostess. Her dedication, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for creating memorable experiences quickly set her apart. Since 2016, she has served as our Event Coordinator, where she continues to bring creativity and care to every occasion—surprise birthday celebrations being among her favorites.
Favorite M attribute: Making your Event Memorable!
Claudia Klaubauf - Manager
Born in Transylvania, Romania. Claudia graduated with a bachelor's degree in marketing and master's in business management in 2009. In her teens, she started working for her family business in Romania where she discovered she loved helping people. When she finished school, she moved to the USA full time to be seasonal between Naples and Wisconsin. She has gained experience from all areas of the Front of House. In the winter of 2012, Claudia started working at M Waterfront Grille as a server and in 2016 she moved into a management position. Her organizational skills are valued, and she brings structure to M Waterfront Grille. Outside of work, Claudia loves spending time with her husband, Jeremy and living an active lifestyle.
Favorite M attribute: Communication is the key to success!
Fabio Rezende - Manager
Born in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Fabio moved to the USA in 1989. His first job was as a dishwasher at our sister property on Block Island, RI in 2000. Since then he has worked in all areas of the restaurant from busser to server to bartender. When Fabio started being seasonal he would spend his winters in Miami and summers on Block Island. He moved to Naples in the winter of 2013 where he started as a bartender at M Waterfront Grille. Fabio now has managing to add to his many attributes and enjoys conversing with our new and regular guests throughout the restaurant and behind the bar. Fabio continues to be seasonal between Block Island and Naples.
Favorite M Attribute: Creating a unique experience for our guests
