A Central Coast Dream Team of Hospitality Veterans and Local Beloveds is Brought On to Lead the Region’s Most Anticipated New Dining Destinations
PASO ROBLES, Calif. (July 14, 2025) — As The Ava Hotel prepares to open its doors in downtown Paso Robles this summer, the highly anticipated lifestyle hotel—part of Hilton’s Curio Collection and managed by Azul Hospitality Group—is proud to unveil its talented culinary and beverage leadership team. Bringing together a trio of Central Coast hospitality veterans, the lineup includes: Consulting Chef Julien Asseo, Chef de Cuisine Casey McMinn, Beverage Director Lannon Rust, and Director of Hospitality Operations Brandon Trowbridge. Together, the team will bring to life three distinctive dining venues: the signature Mediterranean-inspired restaurant EMRE by Julien Asseo, Pine Street Bistro, and the town’s largest rooftop bar and poolside lounge, Esperanza on the Rooftop. These concepts are designed to serve both travelers and locals with standout culinary experiences rooted in Paso’s seasonal bounty, winemaking culture, and community spirit.
“The Ava Hotel was built to be both a destination and a dynamic gathering place for locals and visitors alike—and nowhere is that more evident than in our food and beverage program,” shares General Manager Matt Kleefisch of The Ava Hotel. “We’ve assembled a team of incredible local talent who not only know and love the Central Coast, but who are committed to pushing the region forward with creativity, care, and an unwavering commitment to community.”
Concepted by beloved local chef Julien Asseo—owner Les Petites Canailles and S’Aranella in town, and previous executive chef of the two-MICHELIN-starred Restaurant Guy Savoy in Las Vegas—EMRE will bring a bold and contemporary new oUering to the Central Coast, featuring a fire-forward menu inspired by Asseo’s French roots and the coastal borders of the Mediterranean. Central Coast native Chef de Cuisine Casey McMinn will run the kitchen, bringing a culinary background that began in the kitchens of his Italian American family. After rising through every rank in the restaurant—from dishwasher to executive sous chef— McMinn found his culinary voice at acclaimed restaurants like State Bird Provisions in San Francisco. Previously at The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar in downtown Paso Robles, McMinn is celebrated for his soulful, wood-fired cooking and a collaborative kitchen culture built on respect and creativity. At EMRE, he will bring to life Asseo’s Mediterranean-inspired menu anchored by whole grilled seafood and dishes cooked over an open flame, an expression of Asseo’s passion for bold, flavorful, made-from-scratch cuisine and his belief that food should be memorable, thoughtful, and community-driven.
Beverage Director and Certified Sommelier Lannon Rust brings a comprehensive view of the industry shaped by his experience in wine production, distribution, and hospitality to The Ava Hotel’s beverage program. Most recently, he served as wine director for Hotel San Luis Obispo and restaurant manager of the hotel’s Michelin-recognized steakhouse, Ox & Anchor, where he led a powerhouse front-of-house team, curated an award-winning wine list, and helped position the restaurant as a benchmark for fine dining on the Central Coast. At The Ava Hotel, Rust will develop a beverage program that is guest-focused and layered—from rare vintages served via Coravin and ingredient-driven cocktails using local produce, to a coUee program in collaboration with local roasters. Rooted in his belief that great beverage programs reflect place, season, and craft, his work will center on building an experience that feels personal, generous, and grounded in authenticity.
Director of Hospitality Operations Brandon Trowbridge brings more than two decades of global experience to The Ava Hotel, shaped by a career that began in New Orleans and led to top roles across Napa Valley, Beijing, and beyond. He spent 14 years opening restaurants throughout China and completed an Executive MBA in Hospitality at Les Roches in Switzerland, with immersive studies in Swiss and Dubai luxury hotels. With a background in both culinary arts and business, Trowbridge blends operational rigor with thoughtful, guestcentered service. At The Ava Hotel, he will bring that philosophy to life across the hotel’s food and beverage experiences with a focus on curated, unpretentious hospitality that makes every guest feel seen, welcomed, and at home.
The Ava Hotel will officially debut this summer with 151 rooms and suites, retail storefronts, and more than 6,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. Its rooftop destination—the first of its kind in Paso Robles—will feature firepits, poolside cabanas, and scenic views of the surrounding hills. The Ava Hotel’s culinary program, inclusive of EMRE, Pine Street Bistro, and Esperanza on the Rooftop; is primed to redefine the food and beverage landscape in downtown Paso Robles. The hotel is owned by a joint venture between Paso Robles Hotel Partners and Peachtree Group. Reservations for The Ava Hotel Paso Robles are now available, with rates starting at $225 per night. For more information, please visit www.theavahotel.com.
About Azul Hospitality Group
For over a decade, Azul Hospitality Group has provided a fully integrated operating platform delivering extensive support and resources for all facets of hotel operations. Comprised of industry professionals with broad experience and expertise in all aspects of hotel management, AZUL focuses on maximizing property revenues, rigorous cost controls and best-in-class service standards to ensure the strongest possible bottom line. Based in San Diego, the company operates 24 distinctive brands and 28 unique restaurant concepts in 32 dynamic markets across the US. For more information, visit azulhospitalitygroup.com.
About The Ava Hotel
Opening in Summer 2025, The Ava Hotel evokes charming Paso Robles hospitality with an authentic, community-driven spirit. Rooted in the region’s rich viticultural heritage, The Ava Hotel will debut as a living homage to the region’s terroir, owned and operated by passionate locals embedded in the wine and hospitality industries. The brandnew, four-story property features 151 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, versatile event spaces, Paso Robles’ largest rooftop destination, and a curated collection of retail spaces on the ground floor. Anchoring the corner of Pine and 10th Streets in the heart of downtown, The Ava Hotel will be home to three distinct dining experiences: a poolside rooftop bar featuring firepits and lounge seating, a relaxed bistro, and an elegant Mediterranean coastline-inspired restaurant, with a menu developed by beloved local Chef Julien Asseo. Designed for connection and inclusivity, The Ava Hotel invites both visitors and locals to experience the essence of Paso through curated events and artisanal collaborations that celebrate the region's creative spirit. By weaving together new and modern accommodations with authentic local character, The Ava Hotel oUers genuine moments of connection, capturing the enduring spirit of California wine country. For more information, please visit www.theavahotel.com.
