Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is pleased to announce it has appointed two acclaimed hospitality experts to lead F&B operations at the new luxury hotel overlooking the celebrated River Walk.
The duo of seasoned professionals will guide the vision and management of the hotel’s food and beverage programs and further elevate the San Antonio culinary and nightlife scene to new levels. The recent appointments include Carlos Batista as Director of Food and Beverage and Tanner Johnson as Director of Bars & Beverage.
“We are excited to welcome the talented Carlos Batista and Tanner Johnson to our growing Thompson San Antonio family,” said Ted Knighton, general manager of Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk. “Landrace and The Moon’s Daughters have received national and local acclaim since opening their doors earlier this year. With each of these individuals’ incredible passion, creativity and experience, the property’s dining and nightlife scene will continue to be a distinguished offering for our hotel guests and San Antonio locals alike.”
Newly appointed director of food and beverage at Thompson San Antonio-Riverwalk, Carlos Batista is a hospitality professional with over two decades of experience. Originally, he began his career with Starwood resorts, ultimately working as F&B manager and director at various luxury properties in California, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, and Florida. Most notably as assistant director of beverage at Wynn Resort Casino, Las Vegas, overseeing all beverage operations for the 5 star/diamond property. Later, passion for beverage operations led him to create BeverageEDU.com, a hospitality and beverage training website. Most recently he served as director of food and beverage at the Shore Club Hotel in South Beach Miami, Florida. Managing operations at the oceanfront hotel’s multiple dining and nightlife venues and events. He is a graduate of California State University, Chico, a Level One Wine Sommelier, and a Certified Specialist of Spirits.
Tanner Johnson brings over a decade of mixology and food and beverage hospitality expertise to his role as director of bars & beverage at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk. In this position, Johnson will lead beverage operations for the hotel’s banquets, restaurant and bar destinations encompassing Landrace and The Moon’s Daughters. Recently, he was the assistant director of food & beverage at Kimpton Shorebreak Resort in Huntington Beach, California, where he managed four food and beverage outlets. An influencer and expert for all things beverage related, Johnson shares ideas and inspiration on his Instagram @thebarologist. Johnson is not only a cocktail expert, but is known for his skills as a Sommelier. He has earned his Level 3 Award in Wines through the Wine & Spirits Education Trust. Johnson also attended the Art Institutes for Culinary Management and California Baptist University for a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Systems Engineering.
About Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk
The 162-room Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is in a new luxury, mixed-use development on the banks of the San Antonio River in the heart of the city’s vibrant River Walk. Featuring 33 suites with soaking tubs, wet bars and views of Text Hill Country, the hotel also offers a penthouse with a pool table – the ultimate entertaining suite. Public spaces include a full-service spa, a pool-deck bar with cabanas, and a rooftop restaurant and lounge with panoramic views of downtown. More than 5,000 square feet of light-filled event space are anchored by a 4,000 square foot ballroom. Oversized guest rooms provide stylish sanctuaries in the heart of San Antonio, while a signature restaurant from celebrated local chef Steve McHugh draws guests and locals alike.
