The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville, has appointed Liam Byres as Chef de Cuisine at Yolan, its acclaimed Italian restaurant, bringing fresh culinary perspectives and extensive kitchen experience to one of Nashville’s distinguished dining destinations.
Having joined Yolan in the summer of 2025, Byres is responsible for leading the restaurant’s culinary direction, with an approach centred on seasonal ingredients, bold flavours, traditional Italian cooking techniques and team development.
Yolan has earned recognition as Nashville’s only restaurant to hold a Forbes Travel Guide Star Award, further highlighting the property’s commitment to delivering memorable dining experiences.
Liam Byres’ International Culinary Journey
Raised in Dallas in a restaurant family, Liam Byres developed an early interest in cooking through his father, chef and restaurateur Tim Byres. His passion for food eventually developed into a professional career spanning several respected restaurant kitchens across the United States.
Throughout his journey, Byres has gained experience in Oklahoma City, Dallas, Nashville and Seattle, working alongside established culinary professionals and developing his own approach to modern dining.
His career includes positions at Nonesuch, Flora Street Cafe and Fauna under James Beard Award-winning chef Stephan Pyles, as well as Homewood under acclaimed Dallas chef Matt McCallister.
He later served as Head Chef at Cry Wolf before returning to Nashville, where he led Firebrand, a live-fire tasting menu concept, and worked as Culinary Director and Executive Chef at Spanish tapas restaurant Lola.
Most recently, Byres served as Executive Chef at Seattle restaurants Eldr and Raccolto. His ingredient-focused cooking style and collaborative leadership approach also earned him recognition as a StarChefs Rising Star Chef.
Leading the Culinary Vision at Yolan
As Chef de Cuisine, Byres will oversee the continued development of Yolan’s menus, bringing together traditional Italian techniques, seasonal produce and carefully selected ingredients.
The restaurant’s culinary approach combines ingredients sourced from farms across Tennessee and Kentucky with speciality products imported directly from Italy.
Byres also works closely with Pastry Chef Janrich Amaro and Wine Manager Nicole Lee to create a cohesive dining experience that connects the restaurant’s food, desserts and wine selections.
The wider team operates under the guidance of Verlord Laguatan, Chef and Beverage Director of The Joseph.
Beyond menu development, Byres places strong emphasis on mentorship and team development. His leadership philosophy encourages curiosity, creativity, consistency and professional growth while maintaining high standards of culinary craftsmanship.
Janrich Amaro Brings Creativity to Yolan’s Pastry Programme
Yolan’s dining experience is further supported by Pastry Chef Janrich Amaro, who joined the restaurant’s pastry team in 2025.
Amaro developed his technical foundation through early experience in Hyatt banquet kitchens. At just 21, he became Pastry Chef at Grand Hyatt Nashville, where he managed a seven-member team and oversaw the hotel’s dessert programme.
At Yolan, he brings a contemporary interpretation to traditional Italian desserts, focusing on flavour balance, precision and presentation.
His contribution adds another dimension to the restaurant’s dining experience, ensuring that its pastry offerings complement the wider culinary vision.
Nicole Lee Leads Yolan’s Award-Recognised Wine Programme
The restaurant’s wine programme is led by Nicole Lee, a Certified Sommelier and WSET Level 2 professional with extensive experience in hospitality and beverage management.
Her professional background includes roles at Omni Nashville Hotel, The Palm and Kayne Prime, where she spent six years working as a Service Captain and member of the sommelier team.
At Yolan, Lee oversees an impressive wine collection featuring more than 430 selections, with particular strengths in Piemonte, Brunello di Montalcino and Burgundy.
The wine programme has received Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence recognition and features an approximately 1,200-bottle inventory, with part of the collection showcased in a temperature-controlled glass wine cellar.
Together, Byres, Amaro and Lee bring their individual expertise to Yolan’s culinary, pastry and beverage programmes, creating a dining experience built around Italian cuisine, thoughtful hospitality and carefully curated selections.
About The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville
The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville, is a luxury hospitality destination located in Nashville, Tennessee. Part of Marriott International’s Luxury Collection, the property combines distinctive architecture, refined accommodation, curated art and personalised service.
The hotel offers guests an experience that reflects Nashville’s creative culture while maintaining the sophistication associated with luxury hospitality.
Its signature Italian restaurant, Yolan, plays an important role in the property’s culinary identity through its focus on authentic Italian-inspired cuisine, an acclaimed wine programme and memorable dining experiences.
About The Luxury Collection
The Luxury Collection is a portfolio of distinctive luxury hotels and resorts under Marriott International. Each property reflects the culture, heritage and character of its destination, offering travellers personalised hospitality and opportunities to experience some of the world’s most sought-after locations.
With Liam Byres leading the culinary direction at Yolan, The Joseph continues to strengthen its reputation as a destination for refined dining, Italian cuisine and exceptional hospitality in Nashville.
