Hotel Granduca Austin announced the newest addition to the hotel team, Joseph Pena, as manager of Visconti Ristorante & Bar. The Tuscan-inspired boutique hotel opened last fall in the Westlake area of Austin.

“Hotel Granduca Austin is dedicated to providing an elevated guest dining experience,” says Joseph Violi, general manager of Hotel Granduca Austin. “Joseph’s expertise in fine dining and restaurant operations, as well as his experience in hospitality both here and abroad, make him an invaluable asset to our team, and we are thrilled to welcome him on board.”

Pena joins Hotel Granduca Austin as manager of Visconti Ristorante & Bar, where he will oversee all aspects of restaurant operations, from food service to special dining events. Educated in Paris at Ferrandi, The French School of Culinary Arts, and a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Pena brings a diverse background in food and beverage. Prior to joining the Hotel Granduca team, Pena was the director of wine and service and maitre d’ at The Driskill Grill at The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas. He has also worked at The Pierre Hotel in New York City, Michelin-starred L20 in Chicago, and The Halekulani Hotel at Waikiki in Honolulu.