The Stella Hotel Appoints Chef Al-Hakim ShaBazz as Executive Chef of Campfire Restaurant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BRYAN, TEXAS February 6, 2026 —  The Stella Hotel, a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Al-Hakim ShaBazz as Executive Chef of Campfire Restaurant, the hotel’s signature dining destination at Lake Walk in Bryan-College Station.

Chef Hakim is bringing a soulful, people-first approach to his new role as Executive Chef of Campfire Restaurant. With a career shaped by classical training, diverse culinary environments, and a deep respect for hospitality, Chef Hakim’s leadership is grounded in the connection between food, people, and places.

A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, CA, Chef Hakim has built his culinary foundation across luxury resorts, nationally recognized restaurant groups, and large-scale hospitality operations. His professional journey includes leadership roles at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AZ, Sheraton/Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, CA, multiple Fox Restaurant Concepts locations, and, most recently, with Levy Restaurants at Texas A&M University.

“The appointment of Chef ShaBazz represents our continued investment in culinary excellence,” said Patrick Taylor, Director of Operations of The Stella Hotel. “His experience, creativity, and passion for hospitality align perfectly with Campfire’s vision and the guest experience we strive to deliver.”

At Campfire, Chef Hakim will lead a menu inspired by Central Texas ingredients, seasonal sourcing, and refined Southern hospitality. His vision honors Campfire’s warm, communal spirit while continuing to strengthen relationships with local ranchers, farmers, and producers. Through thoughtful technique and honest flavors, he aims to create dishes that feel both elevated and familiar, food meant to be shared around the table.

As the ninth of eleven children, Chef Hakim grew up in a home where food was the heartbeat of daily life. Crowded dinners, packed holidays, and shared moments around the table shaped his belief that cooking is an act of care, one that brings people together to connect, celebrate, and feel at home. That philosophy continues to guide his work today, as he leads with humility, passion, and a deep love for the kitchen.

For Chef Hakim, success is measured by the joy the food creates within his team and for every guest who gathers around Campfire’s table.

“I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to take Campfire to new heights and to be inducted as a part of The Stella Family and Traditions community. There are plenty of paths to walk in this world, and I feel so blessed that I’m on this one” – Chef Al-Hakim ShaBazz

Campfire Restaurant is located within The Stella Hotel at Lake Walk, a premier destination for dining, leisure, and hospitality in Bryan College Station.

About The Stella Hotel

Inspired by the stars and the singular spirit of Texas, The Stella Hotel offers stylish comfort and sophistication. Located in Bryan-College Station, The Stella sits adjacent to Traditions Club and Community, and serves as the center point of Lake Walk. At The Stella, guests are invited to gather at Campfire, a place to enjoy southern hospitality and authentic Texas cuisine. Experience vast views of the Texas sky from our own backyard or cozy up at our own speakeasy-style bar, Hershel’s, for a nightcap. From summer concerts on the lawn to seasonally inspired cuisine, everything exudes the warmth and cherished traditions of Texas.

 About William Cole Companies

Atlas Hotel, LP is led by a partnership between William Cole Companies and Traditions Acquisition Partnership, LP, the developer of Lake Walk and Traditions Club and Community, the successful residential enclave adjacent to Lake Walk and home to the Texas A&M Golf Teams. William Cole focuses on meaningful hospitality and master-planned community projects, including The Stella and its sister property, The Josie, located at Red Mountain Resort in Rossland, British Columbia. The Josie was named “Canada’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel 2020” and the “#3 Ski Boutique Hotel in the World” by the World Ski Awards and is also becoming an Autograph Collection Hotel. At William Cole Companies, “We Create Meaningful Places.” For more information, please visitWilliamColeInc.com.

 

About Noble House Hotels & Resorts

Privately held Noble House Hotels& Resorts, Ltd. was founded in 1979 by the owner and chairman Patrick R. Colee. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Noble House owns and manages a luxury and upscale portfolio of 25 captivating hotel properties, over 50restaurants, bars, and lounges, the Napa Valley Wine Train, and a collection of spas, marinas, and private residences throughout the U.S. and Canada. Built upon a philosophy emphasizing location, distinction, and soul, Noble House Hotels & Resorts dedicates itself to creating and managing exceptional properties that celebrate their surrounding destinations. For more information, visit www.NobleHouseHotels.com.

 

About Autograph Collection Hotels

Autograph Collection Hotels advocates for the original, championing the individuality of each of its 200+ independent hotels located in the most desirable destinations across more than 30 countries and territories. Each hotel is a product of passion and a personal realization of its individual founder’s vision, making each hotel singular and special: Exactly Like Nothing Else. Hand-selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality, Autograph Collection hotels offer rich immersive moments that leave a lasting imprint. For more information, please visit www.autographhotels.com, and explore our social media channels on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to be inspired by immersive moments that are #ExactlyLikeNothingElse. Autograph Collection Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition.