SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk has appointed David Arciniega as executive chef.
A native of San Antonio, Arciniega has been a member of the hotel’s culinary team since he joined as executive sous chef in 2022, responsible for the concept design and all private events. In his new role, Arciniega will oversee the hotel’s culinary program, from weddings and events to its dining venues, The Moon’s Daughters and Cenote Pool Deck, which offer Mediterranean-inspired menus.
Before joining Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, Arciniega was the taskforce chef at Hyatt’s Hana Maui Resort, managing its three-meal restaurant. He was previously the executive chef at Texas State University, planning banquet menus and overseeing private events, and also held the role of manager and sommelier at Maverick Texas Brasserie.
Arciniega has been honored with numerous awards for his culinary expertise and dedication. During his time as chef and owner at Amaya’s Cocina, his accomplishments were celebrated by San Antonio Magazine and San Antonio Express-News and placed in the Top 15 Best Restaurants to Eat in 2015 by San Antonio Current. Additionally, while serving as the beverage director at Botika at The Pearl Brewery, he played a key role in hiring and training the restaurant’s entire opening team.
Arciniega’s appointment as a sous chef at Oloroso in San Antonio led him to pursue a Level 1 Sommelier certificate from The Court of Master Sommeliers. Arciniega also continued his education at St. Phillips Community College, where he graduated with a degree in Culinary Arts.
