Hotel Viking in Newport, R.I., appointed James Barrett as GM. A hospitality industry veteran and a professionally trained chef, Barrett holds a bachelor of science degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University.
Barrett's new position marks a transition from his previous roles, including stints at Historic Inns of Annapolis where he was the property's executive chef and director of food and beverage, and Boulders Resort & Spa where he served as executive chef. More recently, Barrett spent 10 years at The Westin Annapolis where he graduated from executive chef to director of F&B to hotel manager.
“The life of a chef is demanding, perfectionist, but rewarding,” Barrett said in a statement. “I bring the same passion that I have for my love of cooking to the role of general manager. I still produce my daily mis en place but now the items have more to do with our guests and how to enhance their experience with us rather than knife cuts and food prep.”
Barrett, who grew up near Annapolis, Md., in Fairhaven on the Bay, is a member of the American Culinary Federation. His honors and awards include Chef of the Year, Davidson Hotels, 2010; F&B Team of the Year, Davidson Hotels, 2011; and Annapolis’ Most Passionate Chef, 2011. He lives in Cranston, R.I., with his wife, Martha, and their two children, Max and Sam, as well as two dogs: Wyatt, a French bulldog and Solomon, a terrier mix. In his free time, Barrett enjoys lacrosse, golf, scuba diving, snowboarding, fishing and “tasting fantastic different wines, tasting new and interesting spirits, sampling fresh local foods, hunting out and tasting interesting local beers, traveling and seeing the world.”
Hotel Viking, a member of the Historic Hotels of America, offers 208 guestrooms and suites, as well as multiple food-and-beverage venues.