Galatoire's Names First Female Culinary Leader in Over 120 Years

Nicole Theriot appointed as Director of Culinary Operations for iconic New Orleans restaurant

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:54pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a polished copper pot, a fresh bouquet of herbs, and a handwritten recipe card, symbolizing the culinary excellence and heritage of Galatoire's Restaurant.Galatoire's new culinary leader Nicole Theriot brings a wealth of experience and a deep respect for the restaurant's traditions to her role.New Orleans Today

Galatoire's Restaurant in New Orleans has named Nicole Theriot as its new Director of Culinary Operations, making her the first woman to lead the kitchen in the restaurant's over 120-year history. Theriot, a Louisiana native with a robust background in fine dining, operational leadership, and Louisiana's culinary heritage, will be responsible for upholding Galatoire's time-honored standards while supporting continued excellence and consistency across all culinary operations.

Why it matters

Galatoire's is an iconic New Orleans restaurant with a long-standing tradition of excellence. Theriot's appointment as the first female culinary leader in the restaurant's history represents a significant milestone for the industry and highlights the growing recognition of women's contributions to the culinary world.

The details

Theriot began her career in hospitality while pursuing her culinary education at the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University. She went on to train under James Beard Award–winning Chef Nina Compton at Compère Lapin and the former Bywater American Bistro. Theriot later served as executive chef at Nicholls State University, leading high-volume culinary operations while refining her leadership style. Her experience spans both back-of-house and front-of-house roles, as well as culinary education as an adjunct instructor at the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI). She also serves annually as executive chef of Augusta's Restaurant during the Masters Tournament.

  • Theriot was named Director of Culinary Operations at Galatoire's Restaurant on March 31, 2026.

The players

Nicole Theriot

A Louisiana native and accomplished chef who has been named the Director of Culinary Operations at Galatoire's Restaurant, making her the first woman to lead the kitchen in the restaurant's over 120-year history.

Melvin Rodrigue

The president and CEO of Galatoire's Restaurant, who praised Theriot's exceptional combination of culinary talent, leadership, and understanding of Louisiana's food culture.

Nina Compton

A James Beard Award–winning chef under whom Theriot trained at Compère Lapin and the former Bywater American Bistro.

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What they’re saying

“Nicole brings an exceptional combination of culinary talent, leadership and an innate understanding of Louisiana's food culture. Her experience in both the kitchen and dining room, along with her commitment to excellence, makes her an ideal fit to help carry forward the traditions that have defined Galatoire's for generations.”

— Melvin Rodrigue, President and CEO of Galatoire's

“Galatoire's is such an important part of New Orleans' culinary history, and it's an incredible honor to be part of a restaurant with such a strong sense of tradition. I have a great respect for the consistency and culinary customs that guests have come to expect over generations, and I'm committed to upholding these traditions while supporting the team that brings them to life every day.”

— Nicole Theriot, Director of Culinary Operations, Galatoire's

What’s next

Theriot will begin her new role as Director of Culinary Operations at Galatoire's Restaurant immediately, overseeing the culinary vision and operations across the restaurant's various locations.

The takeaway

Theriot's appointment as the first female culinary leader in Galatoire's over 120-year history represents a significant milestone for the industry, highlighting the growing recognition of women's contributions to the culinary world and the restaurant's commitment to upholding its traditions while embracing new leadership and perspectives.