CHEF TIA WOOD JOINS HILTON RICHMOND DOWNTOWN AS EXECUTIVE CHEF
CHEF TIA WOOD JOINS HILTON RICHMOND DOWNTOWN AS EXECUTIVE CHEF
JULY 10, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RICHMOND, VA - Hilton Richmond Downtown is excited to announce Richmond local, Chef Tia Wood, as its new Executive Chef, bringing over a decade of culinary experience to the hotel’s renowned dining program, including the property’s elevated cocktail bar and lounge, Gather & Hem.
Chef Wood joins Hilton Richmond Downtown after an impressive tenure as Executive Chef with The Housepitality Family, where she led the culinary teams at Boathouse and Casa del Barco, setting new standards for creative, locally-inspired dining. Her extensive experience also includes a role as Kitchen Manager at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, where she was instrumental in training and mentoring kitchen staff while maintaining operational excellence and delivering unforgettable dining experiences.
Chef Wood’s culinary journey began in the kitchens of Richmond’s esteemed Jefferson Hotel as a Banquet Garde Manger Chef. Since then, she has held culinary and leadership roles at Rock Bottom Brewery, Bonefish Grill, and Richmond Country Club, refining her skills in menu development, catering execution, and kitchen management. She is a proud graduate of Stratford University, holding an associate’s degree in culinary arts, and has plans to pursue further studies to deepen her knowledge and expertise.
In her new role, Chef Wood will lead the culinary vision for both the Hilton Richmond Downtown and Gather & Hem, curating seasonal menus and crafting elevated dining experiences for guests and visitors. A new seasonal menu refresh at Gather & Hem is slated for later this summer, featuring dishes such as Richmond Egg Rolls with Mexicali Ranch and a decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie Crème Brûlée with a torched cookie dough crust.
In addition to a refreshed food menu, Gather & Hem recently launched its summer craft cocktail and mocktail menu in June, highlighting unique creations with a nod to Richmond culture like the Maymont Muse, a floral and citrus-forward gin cocktail, the Chesapeach, a bold and spicy peach-infused cocktail with a tajín rim, and the RVA Sunset, a blackberry-pineapple mocktail designed to capture the colors of Richmond.
"We are excited to welcome Chef Tia Wood to the Hilton family," said Brian Koenitzer, General Manager of Hilton Richmond Downtown. "Her background and passion for creating dining experiences perfectly align with our commitment to delivering outstanding service and Virginia-inspired cuisine. We look forward to seeing her elevate our catering and everyday dining at Gather & Hem and throughout the hotel’s dining and event spaces."
Hilton Richmond Downtown is home to over 17,000 square feet of event space, including two elegant ballrooms, the Ensemble hybrid meeting room, and the chic Gather & Hem lounge, which offers a refined setting for semi-private and private events of up to 120 guests. Under Chef Wood’s direction, the hotel’s event catering program will continue to offer custom menus and curated experiences for gatherings ranging from intimate celebrations to grand receptions of up to 270 guests.
Located at 501 E Broad St, Hilton Richmond Downtown is a historic hotel that blends southern charm with modern amenities. Originally the iconic Miller & Rhoads department store, the property retains much of its historic character while offering premier accommodations, dining, and event spaces. For more information on Hilton Richmond Downtown, please visit bit.ly/HiltonRichmondVA, call (804) 344-4300, and join the hotel on Facebook and Instagram. For more information on Gather & Hem, please visit www.gatherandhem.com and join the cocktail bar on Instagram and Facebook.
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About Hilton Richmond Downtown: Hilton Richmond Downtown is housed in the historic former Miller & Rhoads department store, blending timeless architecture with modern luxury. Located across from the Greater Richmond Convention Center and near top attractions like the Dominion Energy Center and The National, the hotel offers prime access to the city's arts, entertainment, and dining scenes. Guests can explore nearby historical sites, enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking and biking along the Capital Trail, or relax in one of the hotel’s 250 newly renovated guest rooms. With over 16,000 square feet of flexible event space, on-site dining options including the stylish Gather & Hem bar, and a range of modern amenities, Hilton Richmond Downtown is the perfect destination for both business and leisure travelers. For more information and reservations, please visit bit.ly/HiltonRichmondVA, call (804) 344-4300, and join us on Facebook and Instagram.
About Gather & Hem: Located inside the historic Hilton Richmond Downtown, Gather & Hem pays homage to the city’s past through its chic cocktail lounge experience. Named in honor of the Miller & Rhoads department store, Gather & Hem blends modern sophistication with a nod to history, offering hand-crafted cocktails like Honeydew It Slow and Commonwealth Cooler alongside local craft beers and fine wines. The lounge's ambiance is enhanced by shareable plates featuring Virginia’s distinct flavors, making it an ideal venue for everything from intimate gatherings to large celebrations. For more information and reservations, visit their website. For more information about Gather & Hem, please visit www.gatherandhem.com, call (804) 344-4300, and join us on Instagram and Facebook.
