2 days ago
Getting to Know Aria's New Owner
Aria in Buckhead has experienced a whirlwind of activity in the past couple of months.
The restaurant recently announced its new executive chef, Joseph Harrison, from Savannah's Common Thread. The team is heading to the James Beard Award ceremony in Chicago on June 16 to find out if they've won the award for Outstanding Hospitality. It is the only restaurant in Georgia to be named a finalist this year. All of the excitement comes on the heels of renowned chef and owner Gerry Klaskala announcing his retirement after 25 years of opening Aria. Klaskala's last service is this Saturday.
The person taking the reins is the new owner, Andrés Loaiza, a longtime general manager and sommelier of the restaurant, who began there in 2007. We sat down with Loaiza to find out what his plans are for the Atlanta institution ahead of the Beard Awards.
Henna Bakshi, Eater: What does an Andres reign over Aria look like? What can we expect?
Andrés Loaiza: Aria has been a part of Atlanta for 25 years, and a big reason for that longevity is our ability to stay true to the experience we want to deliver, while continuing to evolve.
This next chapter is an opportunity to do just that: to embrace thoughtful evolution, to refine the details, and to elevate the elements that make a dining experience memorable.
It's not about changing who we are; it's about making what we do feel even more special.
Are there any changes in staffing?
Yes. Remy Loet, who's been with us for over two years, has stepped into a new role as Senior Sommelier.
At Aria, we love wine, and this new position is designed to reflect that. Our goal is to enhance the guest experience by having someone in the dining room whose sole focus is sharing that passion. Remy's focus will be on connecting with guests at the table — helping them navigate the wine list, and finding a special bottle or wine pairing.
(Since this conversation, the team has brought on Harrison as the new executive chef. He begins on June 18. Renovations to the restaurant's interior and exterior are also expected.)
What does it mean to get the James Beard nod for hospitality?
Oh, it's huge. I am just so proud of the accomplishment of our team, their hard work, and their commitment to creating an experience that feels warm and genuine for every guest who walks through our doors.
They have worked very hard to get to this point, and I think it makes our path forward even clearer: stay focused on the guest, see the person, make the moment matter, and create a memorable experience.
Help us understand: What is hospitality in restaurants?
I think we all know good hospitality intuitively; we feel it. We feel at ease. We feel cared for.
I think in restaurants, hospitality is a mindset — one centered around authenticity, positivity, mindfulness, and generosity of spirit. As patrons, we sense that mindset, and it gives us comfort.
Gerry Klaskala tells a great story about going to a dinner party years ago. He didn't know that part of town and was a little nervous about who might be there. But when he rang the doorbell, the host opened the door, threw up his arms, and shouted, 'Gerry!'— then gave him a big hug. All of that nervousness disappeared instantly.
That's great hospitality. It's the feeling of being seen, welcomed, and genuinely cared for. It's the sense that someone is fully committed to making you feel at home.
We just celebrated Gerry's retirement. What has it been like working with him? What's your retirement message to Gerry?
What an education it's been. Everyone knows Gerry as a gifted chef and operator, but fewer realize just how many people he's mentored along the way. He's the one so many in Atlanta's restaurant community turn to for advice when they are trying to deal with an issue or think their way through a problem. Now imagine spending 12 hours a day, five or six days a week, alongside someone like that for 18 years. It's been nothing short of a privilege. 'Gratitude' hardly covers it.
Gerry, enjoy this next chapter. You've earned every moment of it. The legacy you leave behind is one we'll honor and build upon with care and pride. I'll miss seeing you every day, but your presence lives on in the spirit, values, and heart of Aria. We love you.
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