Josh Watkins Exits Driskill Grill to Open His Own Restaurant

No sooner had I finished praising The Driskill Grill’s Josh Watkins and the way he had guided the seamless transition from outgoing Chef David Bull last year than I find I have to write another “departure” story.

It’s unusual for a restaurant of the Driskill’s stature to lose two seriously good chefs in under two years. But Watkins, the former Sous Chef under Bull announced his resignation last week. He’s going to open his own place.

I’m a huge fan of Watkins’ work in the kitchen. But the Driskill seems to have been a veritable revolving door of upper level executives lately. When long-time manager Jeff Trigger left, his replacement, Sergio Ortiz barely lasted six months before giving way to new Managing Director John Spomer. I don’t know. Is something going on at the venerable old Austin hotel that we are not privy to?

Jonathan Gelman, Director of Culinary Operations for the Driskill is subbing for Waktins in the grill. But that’s not permanent. No news yet on who will replace Watkins. We’ll keep you posted. The Driskill has been a long-time fixture in our Top 20. Sure hope it stays that way. It’s one of the few, really classy old-school restaurants that we have in the city.