Meet Chef Josh: A Day in the Life with Hotel Clermont’s Freshest Culinary Team Member
From the French-inspired cuisine at Tiny Lou’s to the crave-worthy taco truck on The Rooftop, Hotel Clermont’s dining scene is anything but ordinary.
At the heart of it all is Executive Chef Josh, who has used his worldly experience and skills to bridge bold ideas into unforgettable bites that keep guests coming back for more. Step inside his world to learn about the kitchens that led him here, get a peek at what fuels his flavor-packed days, and discover why your next stay in Atlanta has to include a seat at his table.
Kitchens Around the Country: Chef Josh’s Culinary Journey
Before joining the Oliver Hospitality Management (OHM) team, Chef Josh built a diverse culinary career across the U.S. and beyond.
“I have been very lucky to work all around the country and a little outside of it.”
Josh’s early career included numerous internships and stages, experiences he considers vital for understanding the breadth of the culinary world. Some notable places he believes groomed him and credits for his success in the fast-paced hospitality industry include:
Naha in Chicago - This is where Chef began his journey of cooking fine dining.
Mercat Ala Planxa in Chicago - While doing tapas-style cuisine, I learned how to cook for volume
CUT by Wolfgang Puck in Washington, D.C, & The Kingdom of Bahrain - Almost a decade, with some of that time spent at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Chef Josh learned to manage a Michelin Star-rated restaurant. Over the years, this experience trained him how to be highly adaptable, think outside the box, and fix problems in the moment.
Chef Josh’s decades-long journey also led him to Detroit, where he spearheaded the kitchen at Winkers Diner, a beloved spot known for its classic comfort food with a modern twist. He also helmed Of Rice and Men (now permanently closed) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a modern Asian-inspired restaurant from the team behind Blue LLama Jazz Club. And, he was part of the launch team for Crack’d, a popular brunch spot in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District.
Becoming Chef of Hotel Clermont
Chef Josh came across a job opening for Hotel Clermont online.
Once he had his tasting experience, and walking into the kitchen and seeing the staff working hard, accomplishing projects while having a good time doing it – he knew he wanted to be part of the team.
Even though the hospitality industry has changed a lot in recent years, he’s extremely grateful to have found his place in the culinary world. Being part of the Hotel Clermont team is a blessing to him.
“It’s rare to find a property where the team is not only talented but also passionate about the concept.”
Behind the Line: Chef Josh’s Role in the Kitchen
Over the years, Chef’s role has shifted from being a chef who is solely product-focused and hands-on in the cooking to being a mentor of the next generation of chefs, preparing them to take their next steps.
At Hotel Clermont, his focus now is on training and supporting his team while keeping Hotel Clermont’s menu fresh and exciting.
“My team is probably one of the most talented groups of people I've worked with. I would like them to look to me as a dependable leader, but believe me, if I want that, I need to bring my A-game every day.”
Chef Josh’s day starts around 10:30 a.m. each morning. This time is spent making sure the entire team is ready for service at 5:30 p.m., which includes tasks like:
Supporting the other stations with food preparation and working on any specials for the week.
Brainstorming new menu item ideas with the team.
Ensuring the back of house has all the ingredients for prepping ready (the prep list is written on the front of the reach-in cooler with dry erase markers so they can’t miss it).
Double-checking with the prep crew to make sure all deliveries are received properly.
Meeting with the front of house to answer any questions on food and discuss the game plan for the evening’s service.
Filling roles needed throughout his shifts that the restaurant may need at any point in time.
Depending on the day of the week, Chef Josh also attends company meetings to stay aligned on operational goals, collaborate on upcoming events or menu changes and ensure each department is set up for a successful service.
Expanding Future Food Experiences
Looking forward, Chef Josh is stepping into a season of bringing fresh energy to some of Hotel Clermont’s exciting new culinary initiatives.
From expanding multiple menus for all outlets, including The Lobby Bar, Café
Clermont and the downstairs French-American brasserie, Tiny Lou’s, in the spring, to the reopening of the bar on the Rooftop, Chef Josh believes every touchpoint of food elevates the brand and destination daily.
The growing banquet business has added another layer of opportunity (and challenge) to the mix. While Chef Josh claims there’s never a dull moment in the kitchen, he’s most proud of the overwhelmingly positive response to the recent food changes he’s implemented – proof that the team’s energy, creativity, and commitment are hitting the mark.
An Executive Title Well-Earned
Chef Josh’s involvement with notable food and wine events has earned him well-deserved respect and recognition beyond the kitchen.
He actively participated in the National Better Breakfast Month event for Crack’d, highlighting his unique ability to reinvent classic morning meals. Additionally, he has been featured at prestigious gatherings such as The Rocking Goode Wine Social, hosted by Murphy Goode Wines for the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, where he showcased his skill in crafting menus that perfectly complement their premium wines.
Originally from Akron, Ohio, Chef now resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with his girlfriend and their dog. Outside of work, he likes to spend his downtime with them or go fishing in the surrounding areas.
Keep up with Chef Josh by giving him a follow on Instagram.
You can't truly complete your Atlanta adventure without savoring the bold flavors and vibrant atmosphere at Hotel Clermont. Book your stay today and pair the panoramic skyline views of downtown Atlanta with some of the finest culinary offerings, thanks to Chef Josh and the team.