The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas recently announced four new management additions to continue to elevate Rattlesnake Bar to new heights. Jeremy Kinker, Xavier Echevarria, Cameron Petrelli and Kamakana Hoaeae will collaborate to bring new energy to Fearing’s Restaurant and Rattlesnake Bar’s food and beverage program. Their arrival includes the launch of a newly refreshed food and cocktail menu to complement the iconic Dallas restaurant, Fearing’s, home of executive chef Dean Fearing.
Jeremy Kinker has been appointed director of food and beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, and provides strategic leadership in overseeing the hotel’s entire food and beverage operation. Here, he has helped develop and create the menus at Rattlesnake Bar and Fearing’s Restaurant with a focus on service and innovating the guest experience. With nearly five years of experience in The Ritz-Carlton hotels all over the world, Kinker brings a wealth of knowledge on anticipating the unique needs of each guest. Having spent time at The Ritz-Carlton hotels in Ft. Lauderdale, Lake Tahoe Half Moon May, Naples and Waikiki Beach as a leading team member and trainer, he is also a Level 1 Sommelier in the Court of Master Sommeliers and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from University of Central Florida.
Xavier Echevarria has also joined Rattlesnake Bar as the new general manager of the restaurant and bar, coming to Dallas from The Faena Hotel Miami Beach. Echevarria served on the opening team for the Faena District, which captured a coveted Forbes Five Star award for its luxury hotel within months of opening. Echevarria also held prior restaurant and bar management positions at The Ritz-Carlton in Buckhead, Atlanta and St. Thomas, and was previously director of restaurants for The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota and The Beach Club, Sarasota and for The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.
As the recently announced assistant general manager, Cameron Petrelli is responsible for leading the daily operations of Rattlesnake Bar and Fearing’s Restaurant. His culinary path began with Fairmont Hotels, after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, and earning a bachelor’s in hospitality from University of Las Vegas. Starting at Fairmont Banff Springs, Petrelli was quickly promoted to manager at the Nine Lounge in Fairmont Dubai, where he implemented three restaurant concepts. Petrelli most recently oversaw a restaurant concept change and full renovation at Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii, before moving to Dallas in 2018.
Kamakana Hoaeae joins the Rattlesnake Bar team as Bar Manager, previously at Dallas’ well-known bar, The Tipsy Alchemist and Dee Lincoln Prime. A notable figure in the Texas cocktail scene, Hoaeae’s inspiration comes from his Hawaiian heritage and studying prohibition-era cocktail books, emulated through his usage of herbal extractions, such as stevia reduction, as found in his Gold Standard creation – a stunning gin cocktail with fresh green juice, yuzu caviar and gold dust. Hoaeae also infuses a series of his own house-made tonics with herbaceous combinations, such as his signature “Kama” Kazi Tonic, infused with Chinese five spice.
“Between Jeremy, Xavier, Cameron and Kamakana, we have a talented assemblage of world-class management here at Rattlesnake Bar,” said executive Chef Dean Fearing. “Together, they create a synergy to perfectly complement everything we do at Fearing’s restaurant, continuing to make both the restaurant and lounge a destination for a true Texan culinary and beverage experience, from the quality of locally sourced meats and produce, to seasonal nuances throughout the menu. Our team strives to give every guest an impeccable experience, whether you’re looking to try something new or sticking with our signature creations.”
Rattlesnake Bar has been named one of the 10 best bars in Dallas and has been featured in numerous publications for chef Dean Fearing’s signature creations. Between the seasoned leadership of newly appointed management and Hoaeae’s daring approach to cocktails, Rattlesnake Bar continues to draw in a myriad of Dallas food and drink connoisseurs into the cozy atmosphere.
Rattlesnake Bar is open Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Rattlesnake Bar also hosts a Social Hour, weekdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., serving Dean’s Margarita, among other food and drink specials.
