Dallas, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Chef Wes Whitsell has been appointed the executive chef at Georgie, a Michelin-recommended restaurant in Dallas. Under his leadership, Georgie will transition to a menu focusing on Texas comfort food and seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Following the departure of the previous chef, Whitsell plans to introduce signature dishes and execute a seasonal menu that reflects his culinary philosophy rooted in family and community. A fundraiser event is scheduled to kick off this transformation.
Dallas — Chef Wes Whitsell has been appointed the new executive chef at the Michelin-recommended restaurant Georgie, located in Knox-Henderson, and will lead a menu overhaul that emphasizes Texas comfort food and seasonal ingredients.
What happened
The change comes after the departure of former executive chef RJ Yoakum due to undisclosed policy violations. Georgie, known for a creative dining experience and its Michelin recommendation, is shifting its culinary direction under new leadership.
New leadership and culinary direction
Whitsell brings a résumé that spans both North Texas and major Los Angeles kitchens. He previously worked at Travis Street Hospitality in 2017 as the executive chef of Up on Knox (now Knox Bistro). He is a North Texas native from Princeton, Texas, and has extensive experience in the culinary field, working at notable Los Angeles restaurants such as Gjelina, Osteria La Buca, Hatchet Hall, and earning a Michelin star at Hatchet Hall in 2022.
The restaurant plans to pivot from the previous intricate French cooking style to a more accessible, elevated comfort food approach, with menus that rotate seasonally and emphasize Texas-sourced ingredients.
Menu changes and signature items
Whitsell’s approach will center on Southern comfort cuisine with fine-dining elements, highlighting Texas ingredients and family farming connections. Menus will rotate seasonally, incorporating vegetables from Whitsell’s family farm, Whitsell Farms. The newly introduced menu items will include Anson Mills cornbread, Texas venison loin, dry-aged duck breast, and a loaded baked potato.
Menu additions developed specifically for Georgie will include pimento cheese gougères, his grandma’s dinner rolls, halibut, and desserts like banana pudding banoffee pie. Overall, Whitsell’s culinary philosophy is centered around simple, honest food that is deeply connected to family and the land.
Balancing comfort and creativity
Under Whitsell’s leadership, Georgie aims to maintain its creative identity while making dishes more approachable to a broader audience. The restaurant intends to uphold its Michelin recognition while evolving the dining experience toward elevated comfort food that remains rooted in local ingredients and seasonal availability.
Community engagement and upcoming events
On September 29, a fundraiser dinner for Mystic 7 foundations will be held at Georgie, featuring a three-course family-style meal overseen by Whitsell. All proceeds from the dinner will go to the foundations, created in memory of seven Dallas-area girls who tragically lost their lives in a flooding incident. The restaurant will unveil its new menu the day after the fundraiser, marking a significant shift in its culinary direction.
Context and background
Whitsell’s appointment marks a return to Texas for the chef, described as a homecoming for a North Texas native with significant culinary achievements. His work in Los Angeles, including time at restaurants recognized for high standards and a Michelin star at Hatchet Hall in 2022, frames the experience he brings to Georgie. The move signals Georgie’s intent to reframe its dining identity while keeping a commitment to seasonal sourcing and local connections, including produce from Whitsell Farms.
Operational notes
Menus will rotate seasonally to reflect availability and to incorporate produce from Whitsell Farms. The new menu launch is scheduled for the day after the September 29 fundraiser dinner, and Georgie will continue to operate with an emphasis on elevated comfort food while preserving its standing as a Michelin-recommended dining destination.
FAQ
Who is the new executive chef at Georgie?
Chef Wes Whitsell has been appointed the new executive chef at the Michelin-recommended restaurant Georgie, located in Knox-Henderson.
Why did the previous executive chef leave?
The change comes after the departure of former executive chef RJ Yoakum due to undisclosed policy violations.
What is Whitsell’s background?
Whitsell previously worked at Travis Street Hospitality in 2017 as the executive chef of Up on Knox (now Knox Bistro).
Where is Chef Whitsell from and what are his notable experiences?
He is a North Texas native from Princeton, Texas, and has extensive experience in the culinary field, working at notable Los Angeles restaurants such as Gjelina, Osteria La Buca, Hatchet Hall, and earning a Michelin star at Hatchet Hall in 2022.
What is the new menu focus at Georgie?
Whitsell is excited about the “homecoming” opportunity, expressing the desire to bring a Texas-centric menu that reflects his roots and family farming background into Georgie’s offerings.
Will the menu change seasonally?
Menus will rotate seasonally, incorporating vegetables from Whitsell’s family farm, Whitsell Farms.
What new dishes will appear on the menu?
The newly introduced menu items will include Anson Mills cornbread, Texas venison loin, dry-aged duck breast, and a loaded baked potato.
Are there other dishes created specifically for Georgie?
Chef Whitsell mentioned doing many dishes specifically crafted for Georgie, including pimento cheese gougères, his grandma’s dinner rolls, halibut, and desserts like banana pudding banoffee pie.
What is Whitsell’s culinary philosophy?
Whitsell’s culinary philosophy is centered around simple, honest food that is deeply connected to family and the land.
How will Georgie’s style change?
The Georgie restaurant aims to pivot from the previous intricate French cooking style to a more accessible, elevated comfort food approach.
When is the fundraiser dinner and what is its purpose?
On September 29, a fundraiser dinner for Mystic 7 foundations will be held at Georgie, featuring a three-course family-style meal overseen by Whitsell.
Where will the proceeds from the fundraiser go?
All proceeds from the dinner will go to the foundations, created in memory of seven Dallas-area girls who tragically lost their lives in a flooding incident.
When will Georgie unveil the new menu?
The restaurant will unveil its new menu the day after the fundraiser, marking a significant shift in its culinary direction.
Will Georgie remain Michelin-recognized?
Georgie, known for a creative dining experience, plans to uphold its Michelin recognition while evolving under Whitsell’s leadership.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Executive Chef | Chef Wes Whitsell has been appointed the new executive chef at the Michelin-recommended restaurant Georgie, located in Knox-Henderson. |
| Former Chef Departure | The change comes after the departure of former executive chef RJ Yoakum due to undisclosed policy violations. |
| Menu Focus | Texas comfort food, Southern comfort cuisine with fine dining elements; menus will rotate seasonally. |
| Seasonal Sourcing | Menus will rotate seasonally, incorporating vegetables from Whitsell’s family farm, Whitsell Farms. |
| Notable Menu Items | Anson Mills cornbread; Texas venison loin; dry-aged duck breast; loaded baked potato; pimento cheese gougères; grandma’s dinner rolls; halibut; banana pudding banoffee pie. |
| Fundraiser | On September 29, a fundraiser dinner for Mystic 7 foundations will be held at Georgie, featuring a three-course family-style meal overseen by Whitsell. All proceeds from the dinner will go to the foundations, created in memory of seven Dallas-area girls who tragically lost their lives in a flooding incident. |
| Menu Launch | The restaurant will unveil its new menu the day after the fundraiser, marking a significant shift in its culinary direction. |
| Recognition | Georgie, known for a creative dining experience, plans to uphold its Michelin recognition while evolving under Whitsell’s leadership. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Georgie Restaurant Introduces New Executive Chef and Charity Dinner
Wes Whitsell Appointed Executive Chef at Georgie in Dallas
Wes Whitsell Takes the Helm as Executive Chef at Georgie
Fundraising Dinner for Families Affected by Flood
Additional Resources
- PaperCity: Chef Wes Whitsell Leads New Menu at Georgie
- Dallas Observer: Georgie Hires New Michelin Chef
- Local Profile: Michelin-Recommended Georgie Appoints New Chef
- Dallas News: RJ Yoakum Removed from Chef Job at Georgie
- D Magazine: Dallas Tasting Menus and Michelin
- Wikipedia: Michelin Guide
- Google Search: Culinary News
- Google Scholar: Michelin Star Restaurants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Cuisine
- Google News: Restaurant News
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