NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Union Station Nashville Yards, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, announced today that John Welch has joined as Executive Chef. Originally a train station, the historic property was converted into a hotel and, as it marks its 125th year, has undergone significant renovations and improvements, including the introduction of The Bar Car, the lobby bar inspired by the hotel’s railroad heritage.
A graduate of the California Culinary Academy, Chef Welch brings more than 20 years of fine-dining leadership and nationally recognized expertise to The Union Station Nashville Yards. His culinary experience includes mentorships under James Beard Award winners Tracy DesJardins and Douglas Keane. He has led multimillion-dollar food and beverage operations, including The Golf Club at Turner Hill, a privately owned golf club in Massachusetts, and Blair Hill Inn – a Relais & Châteaux hotel in Maine. Chef Welch’s leadership at The Castine Inn helped it earn a place on Food & Wine Magazine’s list of the Top 50 Restaurants in the U.S.
Chef Welch will oversee all culinary operations at The Union Station Nashville Yards and its signature restaurant, Stationairy. His focus on seasonal ingredients, local partnerships, and refined farm-to-table cuisine reflects a deep respect for Southern hospitality and Nashville’s vibrant food scene.
“Chef Welch brings a depth of experience and creativity that aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence,” said Esther White, general manager of The Union Station Nashville Yards. “As we honor our 125-year legacy, we’re excited for guests to experience a fresh, elevated dining experience under his leadership.”
“Joining The Union Station Nashville Yards is an honor,” said Chef John Welch. “This hotel has such a rich history, and I’m excited to build on that legacy through food that celebrates Nashville and its culture. I want every guest to enjoy a memorable dining experience rooted in tradition yet refreshingly modern.”
The Union Station Nashville Yards is part of the 19-acre Nashville Yards mixed-use development, which is located in the heart of downtown Nashville. The hotel is managed by HM Alpha.
For more information about The Union Station Nashville Yards, visit unionstationhotelnashville.com. To make a reservation at Stationairy, visit stationairynashville.com.
About The Union Station Nashville Yards
Built between 1898 and 1900, The Union Station Nashville Yards immerses guests in a world where past meets present. Until 1979, the building operated as the Louisville & Nashville Railroad station, and reopened as a boutique hotel in 1986. In 2020, the property joined the greater 19-acre Nashville Yards development project, seeking to elevate its distinguished past with modern and luxurious amenities that cater to the discerning needs of today's traveler. The property is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is a member of Historic Hotels of America. For more information or to book a stay at The Union Station Nashville Yards, visit unionstationhotelnashville.com and follow @unionstationnashville on Instagram.
About Nashville Yards
Nashville Yards is a 19-acre mixed-use development located in the heart of downtown Nashville. The walkable, urban community features high-end hospitality offerings, including Grand Hyatt Nashville and the historic Union Station Nashville Yards; The Pinnacle, a state of the art, indoor live music and event venue developed in partnership with AEG and operated by AEG Presents; over 2 million square feet of Class-A+ highly amenitized office space, which includes two towers anchored by Amazon, a creative office building anchored by Creative Artists Agency, and Pinnacle Tower, a multi-tenant tower anchored by Pinnacle Financial Partners and Bass, Berry & Sims; The Emory and The Everett, 670 luxury condominium residences for sale and multi-family residences for lease across these two towers; The Goddard School, a 260 child accredited education center; and a wide variety of exceptional restaurants along with retail, fitness, cinema, healthcare and entertainment offerings. The development will have 7+ acres of open plazas, courtyards, and green spaces, including the Ascension Saint Thomas Landing. To learn more about Nashville Yards, visit www.nashvilleyards.com or follow @NashvilleYards on X and Instagram.
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