Piatto Novo

Roger Thomas is Executive Chef at Piatto Novo (Italian for “New Plate”) located within the luxurious Sheraton Suites - Cuyahoga Falls/Akron. With three walls of windows overlooking the cascading falls and gorge of the Cuyahoga River, guests at Piatto Novo are treated to one of the most spectacular views in Northeast Ohio while dining on the exquisite dinner creations of award-winning Chef Roger Thomas.

Chef Thomas’s expertly prepared regional Italian cuisine features excellent center cuts of beef and nightly fresh seafood specials.  Dinner selections include such favorites as Filet Tartufo and Linguine alla Bolognese.  Fresh seafood specials are offered nightly, as well as an indulging wine list, martini menu and handmade dessert creations. His culinary team is committed to delighting the senses while nourishing the soul.

Chef Thomas grew up just a stone’s throw away, in Akron’s North Hill neighborhood. At age 16, he worked for the Piscazzi Family in Akron, at their highly regarded restaurant, the Wine Merchant. There, he began honing his culinary skills under the celebrated Lucia Piscazzi. By age 19, he was managing the kitchen. Four years later, he had the rare opportunity to prepare a private luncheon for renowned American chef and food writer James Beard, who is widely regarded as one of the central figures in establishing a gourmet American food identity. Chef Thomas considers the experience one of the highest honors of his career.

In 1987, Thomas moved to Europe to further cultivate his skills. In Paris, he apprenticed with Chef Michel Pasquet and became a certified chef. In the Loire Valley, he studied under Chefs Pierre Langlois and Marc Meneau. Oyster farming off the coast of Bordeaux and pastry study at London’s Savoy Hotel were some of his stops before family circumstances called him back to Ohio.

Upon his return to the States, Thomas became Executive Chef at Ken Stewart’s Grille before opening his first restaurant, Sixteen Eighty. Chef Thomas then traveled to Italy in preparation for the opening a new restaurant, Piatto, which would play a key role in downtown Akron’s renaissance. He was invited to spend time in the kitchen with Chef Michele Brogioni at Relais Chateaux il Falconiere. Afterwards, Chef Brogioni joined Roger in Akron for the opening season of Piatto.

In 2001, Chef Thomas and Piatto were awarded “Best Restaurant in Akron” and “Best Italian Restaurant in Northeast Ohio” in Northern Ohio Live’s reader’s poll. In 2002, Piatto was awarded the prestigious “Best Restaurant in Northern Ohio” by the same magazine.

In 2005, Chef Thomas moved the award-winning traditions of the original Piatto into the newly renovated Sheraton Suites - Cuyahoga Falls/Akron as Piatto Novo, where he continues delighting diners with his delicious Italian-inspired cuisine.Suites Hotel in Cuyahoga Falls as Piatto Novo, where he continues delighting diners with his delicious Italian-inspired cuisine.