Buckhead restaurant Aria has announced the appointment of its new executive chef, Joseph Harrison. Starting the position on June 18, 2025, he is a semifinalist at the James Beard Awards. Harrison’s well‑known talent made him a clear choice for this position.
Highlights
- James Beard Awards semifinalist Joseph Harrison was appointed the new ex ecutive chef at Aria.
- The announcement was made via social media on June 10, 2025.
- Harrison will begin work in his new position on June 18, 2025.
Joseph Harrison to Take Over the Aria Kitchen
The prestigious James Beard Awards are announcing winners on June 16, 2025, but semifinalist Joseph Harrison has already got a win in hand. Stepping into Gerry Klaskala’s shoes, Harrison will now be the new executive chef at Aria. His passion and refined culinary techniques have made him stand out and paved the way for his career at Aria.
Decision to Hand Over the Reins
Chef Gerry Klaskala announced his retirement on April 2, 2025, via social media. Serving guests at Aria for 25 years, he gracefully handed the reins to General Manager Andrés Loaiza. Having shaped Aria into an award-winning restaurant, he soon began looking for a worthy successor.
Now, the perfect heir to the position has been found in Joseph Harrison. The social media post praises the new executive chef’s talent widely. It says, “A James Beard semifinalist with an award-winning background, Chef Harrison brings a bold vision for the future of Aria. His passion for seasonality, precise technique, and layered, expressive flavors reflects the heart of who we are – timeless hospitality meets culinary excellence.”
This marks a new chapter at Aria as Harrison assumes leadership on June 18, 2025.
James Beard Awards and Buckhead Restaurant Aria
Established in 2000 by owner and chef Gerry Klaskala, Aria has been a well-acclaimed restaurant in Buckhead. The restaurant has gone on to win several awards, including the prestigious James Beard Award, since its opening. Focusing on serving the guests a memorable dining experience, Aria has been at the top of its game. It creates a space that is elegant yet welcoming while taking modern American cooking to the next level.
About Joseph Harrison
After winning the 2024 Star Chefs Rising Star award, Joseph Harrison is now a semifinalist at the James Beard Awards for Best Chef in the Southeast. Having served as executive chef at Common Thread in Savannah, Harrison is ready to take over the kitchen at Aria. His technique and expressive flavors have been well-known in the industry.
Taking over Chef Gerry Klaskala’s legacy, he brings his passion and creativity to Aria. The team at Aria looks forward to what he will bring to the table and to his plans to uphold its legacy.
