Stuart McLaughlin Executive Chef

Chef Stuart McLaughlin officially joined Hotel de la Poste and 3rd Block Depot as the Executive Chef on September 8, 2025. He previously held positions such as the Executive Chef of the Omni Riverfront Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana for four years.  Prior to that, he spent 20 years with CB5 Restaurant Group and as Taskforce Corporate Chef, Head of the Maritime Division, and eventually Culinary Director. With more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef Stuart brings a wealth of culinary knowledge, leadership, and a deep passion for the art of cooking to our team.

A seventh-generation New Orleanian, Chef Stuart’s career has taken him across the country and around the globe. He has held culinary leadership roles at iconic properties including Hotel Monaco, The Royal Hawaiian, W Hotels, and The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. His journey has been as rich and varied as his cuisine.

Chef studied at L’Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda, Maryland, and embarked on an extensive European culinary tour. He staged in prestigious kitchens across Bordeaux, Paris, Frankfurt, Vienna, Prague, and St. Petersburg, mastering classical French techniques and refining his distinctive culinary style.

Chef Stuart later returned to New Orleans and began his culinary career with Emeril Lagasse. He later worked for celebrated restauranteur Ralph Brennan and Chef Paul Prudhomme.

Known not only for his exceptional skill in the kitchen but also for his leadership philosophy, Chef Stuart believes in cultivating a family-like environment and knows that a happy kitchen is a productive kitchen. His commitment to team culture and culinary excellence makes him a natural fit for 3rd Block Depot and Hotel de la Poste.

Stop in to try his exception cuisine and meet Chef Stuart McLaughlin!