{"id":546591,"date":"2026-01-27T10:17:25","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T10:17:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/546591\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T10:17:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T10:17:25","slug":"san-antonios-hotel-emma-names-new-culinary-vice-president","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/546591\/","title":{"rendered":"San Antonio’s Hotel Emma names new culinary vice president"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"HotelHotel Emma overlooks the Pearl complex. Credit: Instagram \/ Hotel Emma<\/p>\n

Chef John Brand has taken over as vice president of culinary operations for San Antonio\u2019s Hotel Emma, following the recent departure<\/a> of previous culinary director Geronimo Lopez, officials with the a Michelin Two-Key property said Monday. <\/p>\n

In his new position, Brand will oversee the culinary vision and hospitality strategy across Emma Hospitality Group, which includes Supper, Sternewirth, Larder and future restaurant and bar concepts tied to the historic Pearl property.<\/p>\n

Brand brings a longstanding connection to Hotel Emma and Pearl. He was part of the hotel\u2019s original opening team in 2015, serving as the first chef and culinary director, according to officials with the hospitality operation. <\/p>\n

In the years since, Brand has continued to shape Pearl\u2019s culinary landscape, most recently as director of culinary endeavors at restaurant-development group Potluck, whose Pearl properties include Best Quality Daughter and the recently shuttered Carriqui.<\/p>\n

\u201cReturning to Hotel Emma feels like coming back to the kitchen where it all began \u2014 where we set out to prove that San Antonio could define its own standard of world-class hospitality through food, craft and place,\u201d Brand said in a statement. \u201cHotel Emma and Pearl have always been at the heart of this city\u2019s culinary identity, and as the destination continues to earn global recognition, it\u2019s a privilege to help lead what comes next.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of Brand\u2019s central focuses will be the continued evolution of Hotel Emma\u2019s culinary programming, including the reintroduction of Supper as a cornerstone of the Pearl dining experience. The restaurant\u2019s next chapter will emphasize seasonality, local partnerships and a strong sense of place, while remaining integrated into the hotel\u2019s overall guest experience.<\/p>\n

Beyond the dining room, Brand will prioritize kitchen leadership and team development, with an emphasis on mentorship, collaboration and cultivating the next generation of culinary talent across Emma Hospitality Group.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy focus is on honoring the producers, makers and teams who built this community,\u201d Brand said, \u201cand on shaping thoughtful, consistent food and beverage experiences that reflect the soul of Hotel Emma.\u201d<\/p>\n

Subscribe to SA Current newsletters.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Follow us:\u00a0Apple News<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Google News<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0NewsBreak<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Reddit<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Facebook\u00a0<\/a>| Twitter<\/a>\u00a0| Or sign up for our\u00a0RSS Feed<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Related Stories<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Chef\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tLopez, who also ran Pearl restaurant Botika, will serve as vice president of culinary operations for the hunger-fighting nonprofit. \t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"San\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tAfter the departure of its founding pastry chefs almost a year ago, some wondered who could possibly replace them. That question has finally been answered.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Geronimo\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tLopez shuttered his well-regarded fusion restaurant Botika and became executive chef at the Pearl\u2019s Hotel Emma.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t