BRG Hospitality Founders Awarded Restauranteur of the Year
BRG Hospitality co-founders Chef John Besh and Octavio Mantilla were recently named 2026 Restaurateur of the Year by the Louisiana Travel Association, honoring their lasting impact on Louisiana's tourism economy and dining scene.
The award was presented at the Louisiana Travel Association's annual meeting on January 22. It recognizes individuals whose work strengthens Louisiana tourism, culinary experience, and culture. For Besh and Mantilla, the honor reflects over two decades of work in New Orleans cuisine while maintaining a strong connection to the city's food traditions.
Since launching BRG Hospitality in 2005, the two have developed a New Orleans-based restaurant group that includes both fine-dining establishments and neighborhood restaurants. These spaces include Restaurant August, Domenica, Luke, Shaya, Eunice, Pizza Domenica, Willa Jean, Tavi, and Delacroix.
"On behalf of our entire BRG Hospitality family, we're honored to receive the Restaurateur of the Year award from the Louisiana Travel Association," said BRG Hospitality co-founder and co-owner Chef John Besh in a press release. "This recognition reflects the work we do every day to celebrate the culture, flavors and traditions of the place we call home. For us, it's about cooking from the heart, sourcing local and seasonal ingredients, and drawing on unexpected global influences while staying rooted in Louisiana culinary traditions to create a dining experience our guests will always remember."
Chef John Besh oversees the culinary direction of BRG Hospitality's restaurants, while Octavio Mantilla leads the company's strategic and operational efforts. According to the company, their partnership combines culinary leadership with operational management across BRG Hospitality's portfolio.
A Major Force in New Orleans Food & Tourism
BRG Hospitality welcomes approximately 800,000 guests each year and employs nearly 600 people, generating millions of dollars in economic activity across the South of Louisiana. Their restaurants often serve as gateways for visitors and tourists seeking a New Orleans culinary experience.
Recent projects speak to BRG's continued effort in revitalizing dining spaces throughout the region. Delacroix stands out as the only standalone restaurant on the Mississippi River in New Orleans, while future openings, including Feliciana Bistrôt and Paradise Cocktail Lounge in Downtown Covington, also signal continued growth.
In 2026, Restaurant August celebrates its 25th anniversary. The New Orleans restaurant is nationally recognized for its Creole cuisine and recently earned a spot in the 2025 Michelin American South Guide.
