Makeready, the Dallas based leading experience-driven hospitality company, announces the appointment of Jacques Sorci as the new Culinary Director. With over 30 years of experience in creating exceptional food and fine dining experiences, Sorci brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Makeready team. As Culinary Director at Makeready, Sorci will contribute to implementing the culture and philosophy of Makeready, establishing standards for kitchens, and inspiring and engaging the restaurant team. His leadership skills will contribute to maintaining the highest level of standards in Makeready’s F&B operations and improving execution of menus throughout all concepts.
A distinguished Maître Cuisinier de France with dual French and U.S. citizenship, Sorci has an extensive background that includes working in 5-star and Michelin star-rated luxury hotels and restaurants across the United States and Europe. Born in France, Sorci completed his education and training there in addition to Switzerland before moving to the U.S. His leadership has been integral in major hotel renovations and restaurant re-conceptualization projects for luxury properties.
Sorci’s recent roles include serving as the Executive Chef at The Rainbow Room in New York, where he led the reopening and reset of the iconic landmark. Prior to that, he spearheaded the repositioning and reopening of The Arizona Biltmore, earning accolades such as the Hilton of the Americas Food and Beverage Award of Excellence. In 2018, as Vice President, Culinary Global at Hakkasan Group in Las Vegas, Sorci directed global food and beverage activities across seven concepts and 42 units and played a key role in transitioning Cantonese kitchens worldwide to additive-free and sustainable cooking. Earlier in his career, he gained valuable experience at several Ritz-Carlton properties in addition to relaunching the Lotte New York Palace.
“Jacques Sorci’s remarkable culinary journey and his commitment to excellence align perfectly with Makeready’s vision for providing unique and memorable dining experiences. We are thrilled to have him on board to work alongside our team,” says Andres Jimenez, Senior Vice President of Restaurant & Bars at Makeready. “We are dedicated to creating exceptional experiences and this appointment reinforces our commitment to excellence in the kitchen, at the bar and at our guests table. His extensive expertise will play a crucial role in the success of Makeready’s future restaurant and bar ventures.”
Sorci will play a pivotal part in shaping the landscape for Makeready’s F&B establishments within their portfolio of hotels. Additionally, he will play a big role in leading the vision for new standalone concepts as part of Makeready Restaurants, the company’s newly established division dedicated to conceiving, launching, and managing restaurants distinct from their renowned hotel properties. Sorci’s first major project will be the opening of a new French bistro this summer in Columbus and one of the first original restaurants to open within the Makeready Restaurants portfolio.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join Makeready and work alongside the team as they launch Makeready Restaurants and open exciting new concepts,” says Sorci. “I am honored to help in spearheading the expansion of Makeready’s food and beverage footprint in Columbus and beyond, and playing a huge role in the revitalization of the city’s downtown area.”
The new appointment aligns with the continued growth and expansion of the Makeready brand and its rapid development as a trailblazing hospitality leader, especially as the new culinary division launches. Going beyond food and drinks to infuse each development with a distinctive identity, Sorci will ensure new initiatives deliver great vibes, excellent service and maintain the same exceptional standards as existing Makeready concepts.
For more information, please visit www.makereadyexperience.com and follow along on Instagram at @makereadyexp.
About Makeready
Designed from the ground up to create truly independent hotel, restaurant and retail brands with individual points of view, Makeready is a different kind of hotel operator, one that provides an opportunity for travelers to connect to the world around them, city by city and person by person. Makeready is passionate about developing independent experiences that are an essential part of each community, cultivating deep, emotional connections across guests, teams and local brands to create sustainable value for investors. Makeready operates notable hotels, restaurants and retail shops throughout the country such as: Noelle, Keep Shop, Hidden Bar and Makeready L&L in Nashville; The Alida and Rhett in Savannah; The Adolphus and Commerce Goods + Supply in Dallas; and Hank’s Seafood in Charleston and its elevated venue space for private events, Hank’s Social Hall. Find us online at www.makereadyexperience.com or Instagram at www.instagram.com/makereadyexp.
