Gary Obligacion has been appointed as General Manager at El Encanto, Santa Barbara
El Encanto, the legendary luxury hideaway perched in the hills of Santa Barbara's American Riviera, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Gary Obligacion as its new General Manager. With more than four decades of experience in the hospitality and restaurant industries, Mr. Obligacion brings a deep-rooted passion for service, a track record of operational excellence, and a personal connection to California to his new role.
Mr. Obligacion's distinguished career began in 1984 at Alice Waters' iconic Chez Panisse while he was attending the University of California, Berkeley. He has since held senior leadership roles across luxury hospitality, including The Alinea Group in Chicago, where he helped guide the restaurant to recognition on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list and the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Restaurant. As General Manager of Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, he oversaw operations while the property was recognized as Travel + Leisure's #1 Resort in California.
He has also shaped food and beverage strategy for Aparium Hotel Group, debuting nine new restaurant concepts across the U.S., and provided executive leadership for Auberge Resorts Collection properties such as Mauna Lani in Hawaii, Madeline in Telluride, and Stanly Ranch in Napa. With a proven record of excellence in operations and the guest experience, Mr. Obligacion is uniquely positioned to lead El Encanto into its exciting next chapter.
This leadership appointment follows the July announcement of El Encanto's new ownership by Justin Mateen, Tyler Mateen, and the Cayton family, marking another important step in ushering the historic property into its next chapter while preserving its historic legacy.