Chef RJ Yoakum Left Georgie but Remains A Nominee for the Emerging Chef Category at the James Beard Awards

The proprietor stated that the chef's conduct did not conform to the company's ideals.

RJ Yoakum and Georgie, the establishment where he served as executive chef, have severed their association. Stephan Courseau, the owner of Georgie and head of Travis Street Hospitality, revealed to the Dallas Morning News that he decided to sever ties with the chef.

In a statement released to Eater Dallas on Monday morning, Courseau announced: “Travis Street Hospitality has severed ties with Chef RJ Yoakum.” We have lately identified some breaches of corporate policy that are inconsistent with our organizational ideals. Georgie’s success is founded on the prowess of our crew, and we are assured of our ongoing capacity to provide an outstanding dining experience. Corseau did not provide further details beyond the statement. Yoakum has not provided a response to inquiries from Eater Dallas regarding his departure.

The announcement occurs on the eve of the esteemed James Beard Awards, when Yoakum is nominated for the Emerging Chef Award. His name remained listed as a nominee on the Beards website at the time of publication.

Under Yoakum's leadership, Georgie received Michelin accreditation at the state's inaugural event in November 2024.

In 2023, Yoakum joined Georgie as the executive sous chef, succeeding prior chef Christian Dortch. Following the dissolution of its relationship with Curtis Stone, Georgie saw Dortch leave and subsequently promoted Yoakum to lead the kitchen. Yoakum's prior employment encompasses a tenure under the esteemed chef Thomas Keller, whom he regards as a mentor. He also worked at the three-Michelin-starred French Laundry, the one-Michelin-starred Angler in San Francisco, the two-Michelin-starred Clover Club in London, and 42 Grams in Chicago, which ceased operations following allegations that the chef-owner violently assaulted his wife, who was a co-owner. Yoakum and Courseau have not replied to inquiries from Eater Dallas as of the time of this report.