Daisy Williams Appointed Executive Chef at Kimpton Shane Hotel, Marking First Female Leadership in Culinary Role

Daisy Williams has been appointed as Executive Chef at Kimpton Shane Hotel, where she will lead the culinary direction of the property’s signature dining venues. The appointment marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first female executive chef at the Midtown Atlanta hotel, bringing a distinctive approach rooted in regional heritage and ingredient-driven cooking.

Leadership Role and Culinary Direction

In her new position, Williams will oversee all culinary operations at Hartley Kitchen & Cocktails and Aveline Bar, shaping menu development, kitchen leadership, and overall dining experiences. Her role involves introducing a refreshed culinary identity that aligns with the hotel’s positioning while enhancing guest engagement through thoughtfully curated menus.

At Hartley Kitchen & Cocktails, Williams aims to present a contemporary interpretation of Southern cuisine, drawing inspiration from Atlanta’s cultural and culinary heritage. The focus will be on seasonal ingredients and coastal influences, designed to deliver both familiarity and refinement. At Aveline, the hotel’s bar and lounge, she will introduce lighter, garden-inspired dishes intended to complement the venue’s existing Spanish-style tapas offerings.

Professional Background and Experience

Williams joins Kimpton Shane Hotel following an extensive tenure with the Marriott brand, where she led high-volume, multi-outlet kitchen operations. Her experience spans managing diverse culinary teams and executing large-scale food and beverage programs across multiple outlets.

Raised in St. Louis and formally trained in Louisville, Kentucky, her culinary style blends Midwestern influences with Southern techniques and global elements. This foundation informs her approach to menu design, emphasizing balance, seasonality, and layered flavors.

Focus on Local Sourcing and Community Engagement

Beyond her operational responsibilities, Williams is actively involved in supporting local agriculture. She is a member of both the Metro Atlanta Beekeepers Association and the Georgia Beekeepers Association, maintaining her own hives and incorporating locally sourced honey into her culinary creations.

Her commitment to regional produce and sustainability extends to her long-term goal of aligning with Georgia Grown initiatives, further integrating local sourcing into the hotel’s culinary framework. This approach reflects a broader emphasis on connecting the dining experience with the surrounding community and environment.

Expanded Culinary Vision at the Property

Under Williams’ leadership, the hotel’s dining outlets are set to evolve with a renewed focus on storytelling through food. Her menus are designed to highlight seasonal ingredients while maintaining consistency with the brand’s standards and guest expectations.

Hartley Kitchen & Cocktails will continue to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a menu that balances comfort-driven dishes with elevated presentation. Aveline Bar will maintain its evening service and weekend brunch, with enhancements aimed at aligning its offerings with the broader culinary direction introduced by Williams.

Company Context and Positioning

The appointment comes as Kimpton Shane Hotel continues to strengthen its food and beverage identity within Atlanta’s competitive hospitality market. By bringing in a leader with a strong operational background and a focus on regional cuisine, the hotel is reinforcing its emphasis on delivering distinctive dining experiences.

Williams’ role is expected to integrate culinary innovation with operational efficiency, supporting the hotel’s broader objective of maintaining high service standards across its dining venues while appealing to both local patrons and hotel guests.