Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

Four Seasons Tenure

• Since 2014
• First Four Seasons Assignment: Chef de Partie, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

Employment History

• Chateau Elan, Braselton, Georgia; Sea World Orlando; Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse, Orlando

Education

• Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts; Georgia Southern University, Bachelors in General Studies

Birthplace

• Augusta, Georgia, USA

Languages Spoken

• English

Chad Hester – affectionately known as “Sosa” – was born in Augusta, Georgia, where he grew-up in a traditionally African-American Southern household. In his family, food was prepared with love, and those consuming it were filled with slow-cooked cuisine and a sizeable helping of palatable joy.  It is an instinctive, intangible ingredient that Chef Sosa observed by watching his grandmother, mother and sister prepare family meals for occasions large and small – and now, is ingrained in him.

While most of the children were outside playing ball, Chef Sosa’s severe pollen allergy kept him inside helping the matriarchs of the family who proudly managed the kitchen. What at first was a chore to prep the vegetables, became second nature and an instinctive ability to craft soulful dishes – just like the women who taught him.

Soon after graduating from Georgia Southern University, a moment of divine intervention guided him to Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. His formal education in the kitchen elevated his culinary abilities into an art form, though his family’s influence continued to serve as his unshakeable foundation. He explains, “My parents raised us with a motto they called the Five Ps - poor planning prevents proper performance. That philosophy continues to guide everything in my life that I set to achieve, especially the dishes that begin as an idea and are later crafted into delicious flavours for others to enjoy.”

Today, he defines his cooking style as a fusion of fine-dining and contemporary American cuisine with a dash of Southern influence. This is exemplified in his popular Bar Margot menu item, the seared scallops prepared with sweet corn, heirloom potatoes and a bourbon cream sauce. Chef Sosa is meticulous about every detail. With his scallops, he inspects each one by hand to ensure they meet his high-standards.

Chef Sosa is often lauded for his creativity in the kitchen among Georgia’s culinary insiders, as well as his unwavering commitment to the Atlanta community. In November 2020, he with a few other restaurateurs and influential community leaders packaged boxes of fresh fruits, vegetables and other classic Thanksgiving dinner items to support more than 1,000 families for the holiday. Additionally, he organized a restaurant-industry awards program to uplift the spirits of those working to make it through the impact of the global pandemic.

No matter the moment, Chef Sosa’s connection to others and his instinctive ability to make people smile – regardless if he is preparing food with love or celebrating the hard-work of others – is a gift. Humbly, he says he’s “just a cook” who genuinely loves to make good food, but those who know him celebrate the greater impact he has on the people and community he serves.