The Vision Behind the Flavor

Jessica Retif is a New Orleans native with over fifteen years of experience in the restaurant and bar industries.

In 2022, Retif was promoted from Restaurant and Bar General Manager to Director of Food and Beverage at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot as she took on even more of a leadership role in preparation for the hotel’s expansion and the opening of the property’s French brasserie, King.

Under her guidance, the food and beverage program at the property’s concepts, Peacock Room and Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats, has offered guests a sense of playful discovery and storytelling, while evolving seasonally to showcase global and local influences that have developed the rich culture in New Orleans.

Prior to joining Kimpton Hotel Fontenot in 2021, Retif worked as beverage consultant with Pomegranate Hospitality for the Four Seasons New Orleans, developing their opening cocktail and zero proof programs.

Jessica Retif opened Saba Restaurant, and served as General Manager for the modern Israeli restaurant from chef Alon Shaya, while also curating their wine and beverage program. She also assisted in operating sister restaurant Safta in Denver. Earlier in her career she worked as beverage manager for contemporary Cajun restaurant Toups’ Meatery, and sharpened her skills for fine dining at New Orleans staple restaurant, Emeril's Delmonico.

Also a lover of film, Retif got a degree in Film/Theatre Production at the University of New Orleans and studied Japanese Film at Doshisha University in Kyoto. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring outdoors, natural history, fine art exhibitions and dark room photography.