The Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau Just Named a New Executive Chef
At Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau, something is simmering behind the scenes — a new culinary direction led by Executive Chef Jose Francois, whose arrival marks a turning point for the resort’s already vibrant food scene.
Francois brings 43 years of international experience to the role, including two recent years as Executive Chef at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic. From his early days apprenticing in the French Alps to his leadership at resorts across Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, Francois has built a reputation on precision, passion, and respect for local traditions.
Now, he’s bringing that mindset to The Bahamas.
“What most excites me is the opportunity to learn something new and to work with local products that support both the environment and the community,” Francois said. “I look forward to building a great team and creating unique dining experiences for the resort’s guests.”
A New Philosophy
It’s a philosophy that aligns with the resort’s culinary direction — one rooted in authenticity, elevated by experience, and grounded in a sense of place.
Four Restaurants, One Vision
Francois will oversee the resort’s four core dining concepts:
- JWB Prime Steak and Seafood, the resort’s signature fine dining experience, featuring prime cuts, fresh local seafood, sushi, and a raw bar.
- Vacation Cafe, a laid-back, all-day venue inspired by Bahamian flavors.
- Frank & Lola’s, offering Italian classics like pizza and pasta — a rare find in Nassau.
- Wasabi Joe’s Sushi Bar, which combines local seafood with ocean views and premium sake.
He’ll also manage in-room dining, banquet operations, and the resort’s two food trucks, adding his leadership across every corner of the resort’s culinary offerings.
Rooted in Experience
A native of France with Spanish heritage, Francois began his career at 16 and took on his first Executive Chef role in 1997 at La Cala Resort in Spain. His résumé includes time with some of the biggest names in hospitality — including Hyatt, Sandals, and Hilton — and he’s known not only for his culinary skill but for mentoring teams and building sustainable, flavor-driven menus.
“We can’t wait to see what new innovations and culinary perspectives Chef Francois brings to the table,” said Shirlen Godet, Marketing Manager at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau. “His extensive background, creativity, and commitment to authenticity promise to elevate our culinary offerings and deliver unforgettable dining experiences for our guests.”
For Francois, this new chapter is about more than menus — it’s about creating something enduring, and rooted in the island itself.
Karen Udler is the Deputy Travel Editor of Caribbean Journal. A graduate of Duke University, has been traveling across the Americas for three decades. First an expert on Latin American travel, Karen has been traveling with CJ for more than a decade. She likes to focus on wellness, luxury travel and food.
