Ryan Hacker

Award-winning hospitality professional with over a decade of leadership in renowned restaurant kitchens. Known for a team-first, hands-on approach that drives consistency, creativity, and excellence. Experienced in kitchen operations, menu development, and mentoring talent. Seeking new opportunities where innovation, collaboration, and high standards are valued.

Work Experience

▪ [ 9/2014 – 2/2025] Brennan’s Restaurant ​​New Orleans, LAo Executive Chef▪ 2024: Louisiana Cookin’ Magazine Chef to Watch

▪ 2023: New York Times Best Restaurants in New Orleans List

▪ 2023; James Beard Foundation Award Semi-finalist, Outstanding Restaurant

▪ 2022: New York Times Top 50 Restaurant List

▪ 2022: Received Starchefs.com Rising Star Award

▪ 2022: James Beard Foundation Award Finalist, Outstanding Restaurant

▪ 2021, 2022, 2023: Wine Spectator Grand Award

▪ 2019: Promoted to Executive Chef

▪ 2016-2022: AAA Four Diamond Restaurant

▪ 2016: Promoted to Executive Sous Chef

▪ Hired as Sous Chef

▪ Manage staff of 50 cooks, 20 utility workers, & 5 sous chefs

▪ Oversee daily operations, staffing, and menu development at a 14 million/yr. property

▪ Capable of executing multi-course service for up to 1200ppl and private dining events

▪ Helped reinvent a classic New Orleans restaurant

▪ Assisted Executive Chef Slade Rushing in becoming a finalist for James Beard Best Chef South 5x

▪ [ 2/2011 – 3/2014] Osteria Il Sogno ​​​San Antonio, TXo Executive Sous Chef

▪ 2012: Promoted to Executive Sous Chef

▪ 2011: Promoted to Sous Chef

▪ Hired as Line Cook

▪ Implemented Whole Animal Butchery Program

▪ Managed staff of 15 cooks and 5 porters

▪ Oversaw menu development, staffing, purchasing, and all other day to day tasks

• [ 2/2011 – 5/2011] Lüke ​​​​​San Antonio, TX o Cook; Butcher
• [ 12/2009 – 12/2010] Abacus Restaurant​​​Dallas, TX o Cook• [ 12/2008 – 5/2009] Hamersley’s Bistro​​​Boston, MAo Intern

▪ [6/2008 – 3/2012] New England Culinary Institute​​ Montpelier, VT Associates of Science in Culinary Arts [2010]

Bachelor of Arts in Food and Beverage Business Management [2018]

▪ [8/2002 – 5/2005] Texas Tech University ​​​Lubbock, TX o Business Administration