Chef Michael Fojtasek has spent a lifetime thinking creatively about food. The founder of MaieB Hospitality is taking on a new role as executive chef at The Restaurant at Albert Hotel in the Hill Country town of Fredericksburg near San Antonio.
“Cooking and dining out were a huge part of my experience as a child,” Fojtasek says. “Travel was often focused around food.” But without any professional training under his belt, getting started in the restaurant business wasn’t easy. “When I began cooking in Austin, I had no experience,” he says. “It was very hard to find anyone who would take a chance on someone who was just ‘interested.’ I was persistent and kept knocking on doors until I found a home.”
Fojtasek attended the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California, and eventually held positions at Kent Rathbun’s Abacus in Dallas; Thomas Keller’s Per Se in New York City and The French Laundry in Yountville, California, near Napa; Jonathan Benno’s Lincoln in New York City; and Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo’s Son of a Gun in Los Angeles.
After several years working at various restaurants, Fojtasek opened the Southern restaurant Olamaie in Austin in 2014, named in honor of his grandmother, “Big Ola,” and was named one of Food & Wine magazine’s “Best New Chefs” in 2015. He was a James Beard Award finalist for “Best Chef Southwest” in 2018, 2019, and 2020. In 2022, he opened chophouse Maie Day at Austin’s South Congress Hotel. In 2024, Olamaie received a Michelin star, and Maie Day was recognized as a Michelin Guide Recommended restaurant. As founder of MaieB Hospitality, Fojtasek also operates Little Ola’s Biscuits, Redbud Icehouse, and Gimme Burger.
Fojtasek loves working with his hands and enjoys leading teams. When asked what advice he would give to a new chef looking to make it in the hospitality industry, he says, “As someone who does not have a ton of experience in hotels, I would say the same thing I say to all young chefs: ‘Show up on time and ready to work.’”
The seasonal menu at The Restaurant at Albert Hotel highlights locally sourced ingredients and artisanal ingredients, and meeting and event attendees can enjoy delectable culinary experiences in the restaurant’s private dining room. Fojtasek says he’s honored to be part of the historic Fredericksburg community and is thrilled to share his passion for the Texas Hill Country through the restaurant’s cuisine and service. “We’re excited to welcome all the folks looking for excellent cuisine and service in Central Texas.”
