Fredericksburg, October 27, 2025
News Summary
Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country is set to partner with prominent chef Dominique Crenn, known for her three-Michelin-star restaurant, to create a signature dining experience when it opens in Fredericksburg in 2027. This partnership aims to establish the resort as a culinary destination, highlighting locally sourced ingredients and innovative techniques in the restaurant’s menu, which will celebrate Fredericksburg’s agricultural community and enhance the area’s reputation in fine dining.
Fredericksburg — The Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country will partner with Chef Dominique Crenn, known for her three-Michelin-star restaurant Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, to create the resort’s signature dining experience at a luxury property scheduled to open in 2027. The resort project will mark Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ first property in Texas and aims to position Fredericksburg as a stronger culinary and wine destination.
Key details and leadership
The resort is set to open in 2027 and will be Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ first property in Texas. Chef Dominique Crenn will conceptualize and lead the resort’s signature restaurant, bringing a culinary approach that emphasizes artistry, sustainability, and storytelling. Crenn, recognized for a poetic culinary style and for being the first female chef in the U.S. to earn three Michelin stars, will adapt her methods to the Hill Country setting while overseeing menu development and culinary direction.
Concept and menu direction
Crenn’s planned menu will blend locally sourced ingredients, premium seafood, and heritage meats using innovative techniques. Although she is primarily known for vegetarian and pescatarian menus, the Texas restaurant will include meat options and offer an inclusive dining experience with à la carte choices. Chef Crenn plans to use locally grown ingredients, informed by Fredericksburg’s agricultural history and contemporary culinary community, with a focus on game meats. She is expected to visit regional farms as part of sourcing efforts.
Design and guest experience
The restaurant will incorporate upscale design features intended to support a range of dining experiences, including private dining rooms, specialty bars, and terraces with views of the Texas Hill Country. Additional resort dining concepts are planned, such as a live-fire restaurant and a pool bar serving Mexican cuisine, to complement the signature venue.
Resort scale and amenities
Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country will include 60 hotel rooms, 37 resort villas, and 50 private residences as part of the complex. The property will offer a full suite of amenities including a spa, pools, pickleball and tennis courts, and multiple dining outlets designed for both hotel guests and residents. The site is located less than one mile from downtown Fredericksburg and is positioned for convenient access from Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas.
Local and regional impact
Developers view the partnership with Chef Crenn as part of a broader effort to move Fredericksburg beyond a tourism identity focused on peaches and antiques toward a serious culinary destination. One developer highlighted Crenn’s talent for showcasing the essence of ingredients and emphasized that her presence is expected to support the region’s agricultural producers and culinary community.
Crenn’s professional footprint
Dominique Crenn manages several restaurants including Atelier Crenn, Bar Crenn, and Petit Crenn, and maintains a location of Café Dior in Dallas. Atelier Crenn recently ranked #46 on North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The chef has a track record of working with notable hospitality brands and will join Waldorf Astoria’s history of culinary collaborations.
Operational notes and timeline
Project planners indicate that culinary programming and design will proceed in parallel with construction, with Crenn involved in sourcing and menu development ahead of the opening. The resort’s proximity to downtown Fredericksburg is intended to integrate guest access to local wineries and food producers.
Background
Waldorf Astoria has a history of collaborating with renowned chefs to create destination dining experiences. The Texas Hill Country resort will be the brand’s first entry in the state and will add to Fredericksburg’s growing profile in hospitality and gastronomy.
FAQ
- Who is partnering with the Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country?
- The Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country will partner with Chef Dominique Crenn, known for her three-Michelin-star restaurant Atelier Crenn in San Francisco.
- When will the resort open?
- The resort is set to open in 2027 and will be Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ first property in Texas.
- What culinary recognition does Dominique Crenn hold?
- Dominique Crenn is recognized as the first female chef in the U.S. to earn three Michelin stars.
- What accommodations will the resort include?
- Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country will include 60 hotel rooms, 37 resort villas, and 50 private residences as part of the complex.
- What design elements will the restaurant feature?
- The restaurant will feature design elements such as private dining rooms, specialty bars, and terraces with views of the Texas Hill Country.
- What sourcing approach will Chef Crenn take?
- Chef Crenn plans to use locally grown ingredients, informed by Fredericksburg’s agricultural history and contemporary culinary community, with a focus on game meats.
- How has Atelier Crenn been recognized recently?
- Atelier Crenn recently ranked #46 on North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Culinary partner | Chef Dominique Crenn |
| Opening year | 2027 |
| Rooms / Villas / Residences | 60 hotel rooms, 37 resort villas, 50 private residences |
| Signature restaurant focus | Artistry, sustainability, storytelling; locally sourced ingredients and game meats |
| Design highlights | Private dining rooms, specialty bars, terraces with Hill Country views |
| Nearby access | Less than one mile from downtown Fredericksburg; access from Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country to Open in Fredericksburg
Chef Dominique Crenn to Open Signature Restaurant in Texas
Additional Resources
- Hilton Stories
- Texas Monthly
- AOL News
- Google Search: Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country
- Wikipedia: Dominique Crenn
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