One of the city’s best hotels, the Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead, recently hired a new executive chef: Brian Martin will helm the hotel’s kitchen as well as the event space Dirty Rascal Room and Tesserae, the rooftop restaurant.
Chef Brian, a seasoned culinary professional, has honed his craft in various acclaimed kitchens over the past two decades.
His expertise spans banquets and event catering to upscale dining, menu development, and team leadership. Now stepping into his first executive chef role, he brings a fresh perspective, creativity, and a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences to one of Atlanta’s most vibrant hospitality destinations.
“We are excited to welcome Chef Brian to the Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead family,” said Donte Johnson, General Manager of Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead. “His passion for culinary excellence and innovative approach to modern dining align perfectly with our vision for creating unforgettable guest experiences. We look forward to seeing his creativity shine on our rooftop and elevating Tesserae as a must-visit destination in Atlanta.”
After earning a business degree from Penn State University, Chef Brian began his culinary journey as a dishwasher at Morton’s Steakhouse. He then trained at the Pittsburgh Culinary institute, where he earned a Le Cordon Bleu certification and advanced to lead line cook within a year.
He launched his hotel career at the former Omni CNN Center in downtown Atlanta, where he discovered a passion for hospitality and rose to the roll of executive chef with accolades such as 2022 Department of the Year (Culinary) and 2019 Leader of the Year along the way.
“I am thrilled to be back in Atlanta, a city where food, culture, community, and heritage are so deeply woven together,” said Chef Brian. “Returning in this new role at Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead feels like a full-circle moment. At Tesserae, our premier dining destination, we blend modern American cuisine with a balance of tradition and innovation. Our team is committed to honoring local farmers, butchers, and artisans by crafting bold, rich flavors with the freshest regional ingredients. Every dish is an opportunity to deliver an elevated, interactive experience that celebrates Atlanta’s vibrant culinary scene.”
As he steps into his new role, guests can look forward to an inspired dining experience featuring dishes highlighting Chef Brian’s contemporary cuisine expertise, blending classic techniques with modern interpretations. His vision extends beyond traditional hotel cuisine – he aims to introduce exciting updates to Tesserae’s menu, creating an interactive food experience that redefines the old-school approach.
From colorful plates with bold flavors to innovative chef stations, Chef Brian envisions an environment that surprises and delights throughout the hotel’s offerings.
Final Word
Tesserae is open for breakfast (Monday-Friday, 7 to 11 a.m.), lunch (Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), dinner (Sunday-Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m. + Friday-Saturday 5 to 10 p.m.), and weekend brunch services (Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.