Chef Geronimo Lopez is the new executive chef of Hotel Emma’s culinary program.
After shutting down Botika at the Pearl in early August, it seems like chef Geronimo Lopez has found some new digs — and they’re not too far from his old stomping grounds.
Hotel Emma, the recent recipient of two keys from the prestigious Michelin Guide, has tapped Lopez as its culinary program’s new executive chef.
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With over 20 years of experience and several accolades under his belt, this is far from the chef’s first rodeo. Lopez has held culinary and management positions at luxury resorts across the globe, including at Michelin-star establishments in France.
His newest venture at Hotel Emma spans three in-house food-and-drink concepts: Supper, Larder and Sternewirth. Lopez has entered the picture at a critical time for Hotel Emma, which is one of three hotels in Texas with two Michelin keys.
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“There will be changes for sure,” Hotel Emma CEO Jon Sakshaug said of Lopez’s onboarding. “What those will be, we haven’t quite determined yet,” he added. “We’re now going to discuss the future of Supper, the future of all culinary experiences here at Hotel Emma. There’s no set plans yet.”
After receiving this prestigious recognition from the Michelin Guide, Sakshaug said he’s looking forward to fostering San Antonio’s development into one of Texas’ premier destinations.
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“We have big plans for the Hotel Emma team to really expand into the future, and be part of many more projects to come,” he said.
Lopez himself seems to recognize the position he’s in — Michelin recognition “definitely sets the bar,” he told the Express-News.
“More than anything, what I want to do is make sure we are procuring the best product,” he added, “so that what we serve here reminds people of the grand cuisine that is classic to old-style hotels like this.”
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