Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss.

Say hello to John Brand, the longtime former chef of Supper at Hotel Emma, who returns to lead the Michelin Two Key property as Vice President of Culinary.

Brand will guide Emma’s hospitality operations, which include Supper, Sternewirth and Larder, along with future concepts.

“Returning to Hotel Emma feels like coming back to the kitchen where it all began —where we set out to prove that San Antonio could define its own standard of world-class hospitality through food, craft, and place,” Brand said in a news release.

Brand served as chef, culinary director and director of culinary endeavors at Emma for nearly nine years. In 2023, he became director of culinary endeavors for Silver Ventures, Inc., which owns Pearl, and, most recently, held the same position for Potluck Hospitality. 

Former Supper chef John Brand has been appointed Hotel Emma’s new Vice President of Culinary. Credit: Image Courtesy / Potluck

“Hotel Emma and Pearl have always been at the heart of this city’s culinary identity, and as the destination continues to earn global recognition, it’s a privilege to help lead what comes next,” Brand said. “My focus is on honoring the producers, makers and teams who built this community, and on shaping thoughtful, consistent food and beverage experiences that reflect the soul of Hotel Emma across the Emma Hospitality Group.”

Hotel Emma announced Brand’s hiring on Wednesday following the recent departure of Emma’s executive chef Geronimo Lopez, who left on Jan. 15 to become the San Antonio Food Bank’s vice president of culinary operations.

The hotel first opened in 2015, with Brand helming the kitchen. Over the next 10 years, Emma evolved into a world-class hotel, winning multiple accolades. It is one of two AAA five-diamond properties in Texas.

Under his leadership, Emma will evolve its culinary programming, centering on Supper. Brand also aims to develop the next generation of talent and cultivate a culture of collaboration and craft.

Emma CEO Jon Sakshaug welcomes Brand’s return.

“It’s rare to find a leader who has both the professional pedigree and the deep personal history with a place that John has,” Sakshaug said in a news release. “John helped lay the foundation that put Pearl on the map, and welcoming him back to Emma to guide our culinary vision truly feels like a full-circle moment. As we look ahead, I’m excited to have his perspective, creativity, and leadership shaping what’s next.”