Kris Padalino takes over as Brennan's executive chef
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
/2025/06/03/1748965248114.gif)
When it came time to choose the new executive chef who would lead Brennan's Restaurant into its 80th year, Ralph Brennan knew the choice was obvious: Kris Padalino.
Why it matters: To lead one of New Orleans' "Grande Dame" restaurants is a unique chance afforded to merely a few chefs, offering the ability to shape some of the city's best dining experiences.
Catch up quick: Brennan's was previously led by chef Ryan Hacker and, during his tenure, received a nod from the James Beard Awards as a contender for outstanding restaurant.
- Hacker left this spring, but has not yet announced his next move.
/2025/06/03/1748965307286.gif)
Zoom in: Padalino has already taken the reins, bringing with her a background in math, chemistry and pastry, not to mention her eight years of experience at Brennan's. Read her bio.
- "She's been very influential in the menu over those eight years," Brennan said during an invite-only media lunch to toast Padalino's success.
Between the lines: "It's one thing to do this level of food at a restaurant with six or eight tables," said general manager Christian Pendleton. But "last year, more than 200,000 people ordered an entree at Brennan's."
What's next: New, bird-themed cocktails are rolling out onto Brennan's menu, as well as an experiential return to tableside cooking, Padalino said.
- "We got away from that during covid," she acknowledged as her staff softly scrambled eggs behind the guests.
- Plus, if Padalino's take on cochon de lait is any indicator, guests can expect deliciously complex and lick-the-plate-clean worthy additions to the rest of the menu, too.
/2025/06/03/1748965347594.gif)