Executive Hospitality Search:Austin Edition
Navigating Austin's explosive growth and connecting the city's premier hospitality brands with world-class executive talent.
The Austin Market
Explosive Growth: Austin's hospitality market is experiencing unprecedented expansion. The city added 150+ new restaurants in 2025 alone, driven by tech migration, SXSW, and Formula 1. This rapid growth creates both opportunity and challenge—demand for executive talent far exceeds supply, making recruitment competitive and retention critical.
Tech-Driven Demand: Austin's tech boom has created a new class of high-spending diners with sophisticated palates and high expectations. Executives must understand how to serve this demographic while maintaining Austin's authentic, laid-back culture. The market demands leaders who can balance fine dining standards with casual Texas hospitality.
Labor Market Challenges: Austin's tight labor market makes staffing difficult. With unemployment consistently below 3%, executives must be exceptional at recruitment, retention, and team building. The best leaders create cultures where people want to work, reducing turnover in a market where every restaurant is competing for the same talent pool.
Cost of Living Pressures: While more affordable than coastal cities, Austin's cost of living has risen 40% in five years. Executive compensation must reflect this reality while remaining competitive with other growth markets. Successful operators understand that attracting top talent requires competitive packages and clear growth paths.
Current Salary Benchmarks for Austin
| Role | Fine Dining | High Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Chef (Fine Dining) | $120k - $150k | $110k - $140k |
| General Manager (Luxury) | $100k - $130k | $85k - $110k |
| Director of Operations | $140k - $170k | $130k - $160k |
| Beverage Director | $95k - $120k | $85k - $110k |
*Salaries shown in USD. Based on 2026 market data for Austin hospitality executive roles. Austin is classified as a Growth Market.
Global Reach, Local Expertise
Austin's rapid growth creates opportunities for executives from established markets. Our global network allows us to bring exceptional talent into Austin from:
- •Tier 1 Markets: Executives from Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco who bring fine dining expertise and understand high-expectation markets.
- •Other Growth Markets: Leaders from Dallas, Miami, and Nashville who understand the dynamics of rapidly expanding hospitality scenes.
- •International Talent: Chefs and GMs from London, Paris, and Tokyo who bring global perspectives and can elevate Austin's culinary scene.
- •Relocation Support: We assist with relocation packages, housing assistance, and cultural integration to ensure smooth transitions for executives moving to Austin.