After a turbulent year marked by staff changes and closures, another big change is coming to the Pearl. Hotel Emma executive chef Geronimo Lopez is departing the flagship property on January 24 to take on a new leadership role at the San Antonio Food Bank.

At the nonprofit, Lopez will oversee food programs tied directly to hunger relief and community impact. Hotel Emma has not revealed a replacement for the position, but promised more details will be announced soon.

“My time at Hotel Emma has been incredibly meaningful,” says Lopez in a statement. “I joined the project to help build a culinary program rooted in the rich history and traditions of San Antonio and the surrounding region, and I’m proud of what we created together.”

Before Emma, Lopez helmed Botika from 2016 to 2024. The concept, a tribute to the Chinese and Japanese influences of Peruvian cooking, was novel at a time when the national dining scene inched towards an appreciation of international cuisine. Tons of positive press helped solidify San Antonio’s — and Pearl’s — status as an emerging culinary destination.

Shortly after Botika’s closure, Lopez was named the executive chef of the posh property. Hotel Emma says it will continue the chef’s commitment to regional seasonal sourcing.

“As we look ahead to Hotel Emma’s next chapter in food and beverage, we remain committed to our local partnerships with regional farmers and artisans, and to delivering a culinary experience rooted in the flavors of South Texas,” says Jon Sakshaug, Chief Executive Officer of Hotel Emma, in a release.

2025 was a particularly transitional year for the overall Pearl property. Showpiece restaurant Carriqui closed in October, followed by brunch favorite Full Goods Diner in December. At the end of that month, Mesha Millsap stepped down as CEO of Pearl, a position she has held since 2022.