After the departure of Geronimo Lopez, a well-recognized face is returning to San Antonio’s Lodge Emma. In a full-circle second, former Supper chef John Model is returning to the luxurious Pearl lodge to supervise the property’s eating places, bars, and occasion kitchens.
Model has been a part of Lodge Emma’s culinary DNA because the starting, main the Pearl anchor’s culinary crew throughout its 2015 opening. He hasn’t strayed far lately, nonetheless concerned in shaping the event’s gastronomic profile because the Director of Culinary Endeavors at Potluck, the culinary and experiential administration arm of Silver Ventures.
Returning to Lodge Emma appears like coming again to the kitchen the place all of it started—the place we got down to show that San Antonio may outline its personal commonplace of world-class hospitality by way of meals, craft, and place,” says Model by way of a launch. “Lodge Emma and Pearl have at all times been on the coronary heart of this metropolis’s culinary id, and because the vacation spot continues to earn world recognition, it’s a privilege to assist lead what comes subsequent.”
As Vice President of Culinary, Model will information Supper, Sternewirth, Larder, and future ideas. The discharge states that Model will proceed the lodge’s dedication to native sourcing whereas nurturing the following era of expertise on the property. He can even deal with guaranteeing Supper stays a cornerstone of the Pearl culinary expertise.
“It’s uncommon to discover a chief who has each the skilled pedigree and the deep private historical past with a spot that John has,” says Jon Sakshaug, Chief Govt Officer of Lodge Emma. “As we glance forward, I’m excited to have his perspective, creativity, and management shaping what’s subsequent.”
Model’s appointment follows Lopez’s mid-January exit from the flagship property. The previous Botika chef has taken on a brand new management position on the San Antonio Meals Financial institution, overseeing meals applications tied on to starvation reduction and neighborhood impression.
The previous couple of months have seen the general Pearl property in flux, with Carriqui closing in October 2025, adopted by brunch favourite Full Items Diner in December. On the finish of that month, Mesha Millsap stepped down as CEO of Pearl, a place she has held since 2022.
