Hospitality veterans Cole Parsons and Jawad (JD) Al-Khatib join boutique hotel’s leadership team in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS – The Eliza Jane, a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of New Orleans, announced today the appointments of Cole Parsons as managing director and Jawad (JD) Al-Khatib as director of food and beverage. Together, they will oversee the award-winning hotel’s operations, culinary programming and guest experiences, continuing to shape The Eliza Jane as one of New Orleans’ most distinctive boutique destinations.
The Eliza Jane, located just steps from the French Quarter, blends history and modern hospitality. Once home to a gunpowder company, bitters distillery and the city’s famed Daily Picayune newspaper printing house, the property now features contemporary amenities and design that pay homage to its storied past. Guests can enjoy French-Southern fusion cuisine at the property’s signature restaurant, Couvant, or cocktails and light bites at The Press Room.
“We are lucky to welcome Cole and Jawad onto our leadership team at The Eliza Jane,” said Josh Heidenreich, SVP of operations at Makeready, an experience-driven hospitality company that operates the hotel. “Their dedication to people, passion for New Orleans and impressive track record of leadership will help us continue to build The Eliza Jane’s reputation as a property that combines rich history with genuine Southern hospitality.”
In his role as managing director, Parsons leads all aspects of the 196-room property, including strategic planning, day-to-day hotel operations, guest relations and team development. With more than two decades of hospitality experience, he brings an extensive leadership background spanning both local and national markets. Prior to joining The Eliza Jane, Parsons held leadership positions at some of New Orleans’ top hotels, including the NOPSI Hotel, Omni Royal Orleans Hotel and The Westin New Orleans. His career also includes senior roles at properties in Orlando, San Diego and Las Vegas.
Alongside Parsons, Al-Khatib joins The Eliza Jane as director of food and beverage, where he will oversee the hotel’s signature experiences, Couvant and The Press Room, as well as the property’s banquet and catering services. In his role, he leads daily operations, guest programming and team development, with a focus on menu innovation, creative activations and distinctive experiences that reflect the city’s spirit.
Al-Khatib’s career includes leadership roles at acclaimed restaurants and hotels in Connecticut and North Carolina, most recently serving as food and beverage general manager at Marriott in Winston-Salem. He brings eight years of experience to The Eliza Jane, with a passion for cultivating talent and creating welcoming, innovative dining spaces.
With these two leaders at the helm, The Eliza Jane enters an exciting new chapter, one defined by elevated guest experiences, inventive culinary offerings and a continued commitment to celebrating the charm, culture and hospitality that make New Orleans unlike anywhere else.
For more information about The Eliza Jane, visit www.theelizajane.com and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
About The Eliza Jane
The Eliza Jane, a part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio, is a 196-room boutique hotel located steps away from the French Quarter in the heart of New Orleans. Housed in a quartet of historic warehouses, the hotel’s unique programming, amenities and design pay homage to its past as a gunpowder company, bitters distillery and printing house for the city’s famed Daily Picayune newspaper. Locals and guests can dine at Couvant, its signature French fusion restaurant with southern soul and an eclectic flair, or visit The Press Room, its spirited lobby lounge that is equal parts library, meeting space and craft coffee and cocktail bar. The Eliza Jane also boasts a stunning interior courtyard, a 24-hour fitness center and more than 1,800 square feet of flexible event space. For more information, please visit www.theelizajane.com.