Birdwood Mansion Announces New Executive Chef Joel Myers
Charlottesville, VA (September 24, 2025) – Birdwood Mansion, the storied 19th-century estate that is currently being transformed into a luxury boutique seven-room hotel, restaurant, and events destination, is pleased to announce the appointment of Head Chef Joel Myers. In his new role, Chef Myers will oversee all culinary operations of the Mansion, particularly spearheading the culinary program that will be showcased in The Dining Room, the forthcoming 42-seat signature restaurant.
“We’re delighted to welcome Chef Myers to our culinary team as we embark on our journey to become the premier dining destination in Charlottesville. His expertise will help us create an intimate, elevated hospitality experience that embodies the community, warm spirit, and natural beauty at the heart of Birdwood Mansion,” says Gigi Vega, Managing Director of Boar’s Head Resort and Birdwood Mansion.
A Charlottesville native, Chef Joel brings 15 years of experience to this position, where he will continue his passion for hospitality. He was most recently Executive Chef of Ciao Vino Ristorante in Las Vegas, where he crafted fine-dining menus and developed a high-performing culinary team. Notably, Chef Joel worked as Sous Chef at Vetri Cucina Philadelphia alongside James Beard Award-winning Chef Marc Vetri, where he developed tasting menus and curated private dining experiences before personally leading the expansion of the famed Vetri brand in Las Vegas. His new role at Birdwood Mansion marks a homecoming as his culinary journey began at Charlottesville’s iconic C&O Restaurant, where he learned the rhythms of a bustling French-inspired kitchen and built the foundations of his culinary voice.
Chef Joel plans to provide Birdwood Mansion guests and locals visiting The Dining Room with a unique seasonal cuisine reflective of the iconic setting of Birdwood Mansion. Showcased through seasonal menus, his cuisine will be heavily inspired by the fresh ingredients and bountiful harvests of the surrounding Charlottesville region, all the while keeping a connection to the land and to the history of Birdwood Mansion. Chef Myers will also serve as host to visiting chefs throughout the year, providing our community the opportunity to experience some diverse styles of cuisine from some of the best chefs in the US and around the world.
“I’m thrilled to be back in Charlottesville, surrounded by family, friends, and the incredible local bounty of Virginia,” says Executive Chef Joel Myers. “Birdwood Mansion is such a unique project, and I cannot wait to create something truly special here—an experience that reflects both the richness of the region and the joy of gathering around the table.”
The restoration completion and launch of Birdwood Mansion is anticipated for early 2026. For more preliminary information, please visit birdwoodmansion.com.
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About Birdwood Mansion:
Nestled on the grounds of the 600-acre Boar’s Head Resort, the historic Birdwood Mansion is a seven-room, boutique-style hotel that is being majestically restored with luxury amenities, including an upscale dining room with impeccable service and exquisite cuisine. Slated to debut in the fall of 2025, its elegant outdoor spaces are perfect for weddings and group gatherings, while guests enjoy direct access to the world-class amenities of Boar’s Head Resort. Conveniently located in Charlottesville—a picturesque Virginia mountain town—the Mansion is just one hour west of Richmond, two hours south of Washington, D.C. and minutes from the University of Virginia. www.BirdwoodMansion.com.
About Boar’s Head Resort:
Located on 600 rolling acres at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boar’s Head Resort in Charlottesville, VA, is one hour west of the state capital of Richmond, just two hours south of Washington D.C. and two miles from the University of Virginia. The resort has a unique focus on wellness, athletics and dining and features a tranquil spa, state-of-the-art sports club and racquet sports facility, award-winning spa and multiple dining options offering an ideal destination for business or leisure guests seeking relaxation or recreation. Boar's Head Resort is a newly welcomed member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X. Collection. The property has also been inducted into Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. www.BoarsHeadResort.com.
Media Contact
The Brandman Agency
Michael Gartenlaub
birdwoodmansion@brandmanagency.com
(212) 683 2442