Dallas, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Wes Whitsell has been appointed as the new executive chef at Georgie, a Michelin-recommended restaurant in Dallas, following the dismissal of RJ Yoakum. His first public engagement will be a charity dinner on September 29, with a new contemporary Southern menu debuting on September 30. The menu will focus on local Texas produce and regional flavors, while the charity dinner will benefit the families of seven girls who lost their lives in a recent flood.
Dallas
Wes Whitsell Named Executive Chef at Georgie After RJ Yoakum’s Dismissal
The Michelin Recommended Dallas restaurant Georgie has appointed Texas native Wes Whitsell as its new executive chef following the removal of RJ Yoakum in June 2025 for multiple violations of company policy. Whitsell’s appointment takes effect immediately, with a charity dinner on September 29, 2025, and a debut menu scheduled for September 30, 2025. Georgie is located at 4514 Travis St., Dallas, and reservations are recommended though not required.
Key immediate developments
- New chef: Wes Whitsell, a Texas native and experienced restaurateur, will lead Georgie’s kitchen.
- Predecessor removed: RJ Yoakum was dismissed in June 2025 ahead of the James Beard Awards due to unspecified policy violations; the restaurant owner did not disclose the nature of those violations.
- First events: A charity dinner on September 29 priced at $250 per person will benefit foundations set up for seven Dallas-area girls who died in a Texas Hill Country flood; Whitsell’s new menu launches on September 30 with a contemporary Southern focus.
Charity dinner and beneficiary details
The charity dinner on September 29 will direct all proceeds to foundations established for the seven girls from the Mystic 7 group who died in a flood. The funds will support surviving family members and related needs. Ticket pricing is set at $250 per person, and the event serves as Whitsell’s first public engagement in his role at Georgie.
New menu and culinary direction
The menu Whitsell will introduce on September 30 is described as contemporary Southern, emphasizing local Texas produce, game, and seafood. Planned menu items include heritage chicken, Texas venison loin, and peach cobbler with buttermilk ice cream, reflecting regional ingredients and flavors. The new menu represents a shift toward local sourcing and dishes grounded in Southern culinary traditions adapted with modern techniques.
Supporting details on personnel and prior recognition
RJ Yoakum, who was removed from the executive chef role in June, previously worked at The French Laundry, a Michelin three-star restaurant, and had been nominated for the Emerging Chef award at the James Beard Awards. The dismissal was announced shortly before the James Beard Awards; Georgie’s owner, Stephan Courseau, did not provide specific details on the policy violations that led to the decision.
Wes Whitsell’s background
Whitsell is originally from Princeton, Texas, and graduated from Sam Houston State University. His professional résumé includes culinary and leadership positions at several notable California restaurants, among them Gjelina and Osteria La Buca. He has also managed hospitality venues for Soho House in Manhattan and Amsterdam and has experience opening a restaurant in Bali. Earlier in his career he served as executive chef at Up on Knox (now Knox Bistro) from 2017 to 2018, a property that is part of the same ownership group as Georgie.
Owner comments and operational notes
Owner Stephan Courseau indicated a positive reception to Whitsell’s return to Texas and highlighted Whitsell’s familiarity with local ingredients and flavor profiles as aligning with Georgie’s culinary direction. Georgie continues to operate at its Travis Street location and recommends reservations to manage seating; however, reservations are not mandatory for patrons.
Context and implications
The leadership change at Georgie arrives amid heightened attention to professional conduct and workplace policy enforcement in the hospitality industry. The replacement of a high-profile chef shortly before major industry awards underscores how personnel decisions can affect a restaurant’s public profile. Whitsell’s appointment and the upcoming menu reveal Georgie’s intent to maintain its Michelin Recommended status while deepening ties to Texas-sourced ingredients and Southern culinary traditions.
FAQ
Who is the new executive chef at Georgie?
The new executive chef is Wes Whitsell, a Texas native with experience in California restaurants and international hospitality venues.
Why was RJ Yoakum removed?
RJ Yoakum was removed in June 2025 for multiple violations of company policy. The restaurant’s owner did not disclose the specific nature of those violations.
When will Wes Whitsell begin his duties publicly at Georgie?
Whitsell’s first public engagement as executive chef is a charity dinner on September 29, 2025. His debut menu launches on September 30, 2025.
The menu is described as contemporary Southern and will highlight local Texas produce, game, and seafood, with dishes such as heritage chicken, Texas venison loin, and peach cobbler with buttermilk ice cream.
Where is Georgie located and do I need a reservation?
Georgie is located at 4514 Travis St., Dallas. Reservations are recommended but not required.
Who benefits from the charity dinner?
All proceeds from the September 29 charity dinner will go to foundations established for the seven Dallas-area girls who died in a Texas Hill Country flood, supporting their families.
Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| New Executive Chef | Wes Whitsell |
| Predecessor | RJ Yoakum (removed June 2025) |
| Restaurant Status | Michelin Recommended |
| Menu Launch | September 30, 2025 (Contemporary Southern) |
| Charity Dinner | September 29, 2025 — $250 per person; proceeds to Mystic 7 foundations |
| Location | 4514 Travis St., Dallas |
| Culinary Focus | Local Texas produce, game, seafood |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fundraising Dinner for Families Affected by Flood
Additional Resources
- CultureMap Dallas: Wes Whitsell Named Executive Chef
- Dallas News: Georgie Gets New Chef
- Dallas Observer: Georgie Hires New Michelin Chef
- Paper City: New Executive Chef Wes Whitsell
- Google Search: Georgie Dallas Restaurant
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
