{"id":125675,"date":"2026-01-16T12:12:35","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T12:12:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/125675\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T12:12:35","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T12:12:35","slug":"chef-geronimo-lopez-leaving-hotel-emma-for-san-antonio-food-bank","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/125675\/","title":{"rendered":"Chef Geronimo Lopez leaving Hotel Emma for San Antonio Food Bank"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ChefChef Geronimo Lopez is taking a new role with the San Antonio Food Bank. Credit: Jaime Monzon<\/p>\n

Geronimo Lopez will step down as executive chef of Hotel Emma later this month. His final day at the high-end Pearl property will be Jan. 24, according to details shared with the Current on Thursday.<\/p>\n

Lopez took over culinary operations at Hotel Emma in September 2024, following the closure of his Pearl restaurant Botika, which brought an innovative blend of South American and Asian flavors to the Alamo City. <\/p>\n

Beginning Jan. 26, Lopez assume the role of vice president of culinary operations at the San Antonio Food Bank. He\u2019s already served as a longtime member on the hunger-fighting nonprofit\u2019s culinary committee.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy time at Hotel Emma has been incredibly meaningful,\u201d Lopez said. \u201cI joined the project to help build a culinary program rooted in the rich history and traditions of San Antonio and the surrounding region, and I\u2019m proud of what we created together. What I will always carry with me is the people \u2014 their passion, drive, and commitment to excellence inspired me every day. As I take my next step, I remain deeply connected to Emma and Pearl, and [I am] excited for what lies ahead for our city and community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emma officials haven\u2019t named Lopez\u2019s successor as of press time. A statement from the hotel states that it will announce new leadership details soon.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Lopez\u2019s departure marks another transition in the Pearl\u2019s dining scene, following the closure of Full Goods Diner in December and chef Steve McHugh\u2019s decision to not renew Cured\u2019s lease in January.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In his statement about the new role, Lopez said he\u2019s always felt a calling to give back to the community. Indeed, in a 2024, the chef told the Current<\/a> that he\u2019s motivated by a desire to fight food insecurity and educate SA residents about eating better.<\/p>\n

\u201cCooking for a cause brings together my greatest passions, and when the opportunity arose to dedicate my professional efforts to an initiative I deeply believe in, it felt like the right next step,\u201d Lopez said in his statement.<\/p>\n

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\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

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\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\tLopez\u2019s jump to the luxury hotel property comes after he closed down Botika, his innovative Asian-Peruvian restaurant.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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

\n\t\t\t\t\tThe colorful and stylish restaurant at the Pearl is known for its innovative take on Peruvian cuisine.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

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