Emeril’s New Orleans Announces New Hires in Key Positions

NEW ORLEANS – Emeril’s New Orleans has hired Ashley Daniels as general manager and Sharde Cole as pastry chef. The restaurant welcomes back Chris Fagan as chef de cuisine.

“I am very excited to collaborate with the talented team we have put together at Emeril’s. It is always inspiring and motivating to work with folks who are passionate about hospitality and are open to learning, growing, and creating together,” said Emeril Lagasse.

Since moving to New Orleans to attend Tulane University, Ashley has worked her way through some of New Orleans’ most revered dining institutions, including Arnaud’s, Doris Metropolitan and Saba, starting as a server’s assistant and up to assistant general manager. Her passion for hospitality started with wine, immersing herself through classes to learn more about the regions and varietals. Her investment of time into education in all areas food and beverage allows her to lead from a place of knowledge, which she will utilize in her new role at Emeril’s.

Raised on New Orleans’ Northshore, Chris joined Emeril’s family of restaurants as a sous chef at NOLA Restaurant in 1999. Over the last 23 years, he has worked in and out of the organization, including a stint at Emeril’s Miami and a return to NOLA Restaurant, before landing at Emeril’s New Orleans. His classically refined techniques and relationships with top purveyors are reflected throughout Emeril’s menu and in the elevated restaurant experience.

Sharde, whose niche is in French pastry, moved to New Orleans due to the large French influence in culinary cuisine. She has spent the last 5 years learning from the best in the field while working to find her own style of baking, rooted in traditional French technique. She honed her skills in the kitchens of The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, Willa Jean, Gracious Bakery and Bywater American Bistro before finding her new home at Emeril’s New Orleans.

Emeril’s reopened its doors in September 2021 with a refined menu following an extended closure due to the pandemic and Hurricane Ida. Lagasse’s first of five restaurants in New Orleans celebrated 30 years of service in 2020.

Emeril’s New Orleans is located at 800 Tchoupitoulas Street. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday at 5 p.m.