Claire was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, growing up in her parent’s restaurant. She continued working in the restaurant industry while attending the Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern State University, obtaining a BA in fine and performing arts with a dance concentration. Dance is what brought her to New York, but restaurants kept her there. After pursuing her career as a professional dancer in a small modern dance company, Claire made the transition to a full time restaurant career. She became the beverage manager at BR Guest Hospitality’s landmark Blue Water Grill in Union Square, running the liquor, beer, and wine program. After moving to Blue Water Grill’s sibling Atlantic Grill near Lincoln Center, Claire focused on staff education while continuing beverage management and starting the certification process through the Court of Master Sommeliers. Claire then joined Bowery Group hospitality at the Chelsea community staple Cookshop. In Spring 2021 Claire moved to New Orleans and joined Link Restaurant Group as a manager at Peche Seafood Grill. Early 2022 she was internally promoted to Cochon restaurant’s Assistant General Manager and accepted the position of its General Manager in January 2023. In this position, Claire is excited to facilitate a project that has been so deeply considered in every aspect of operation.