Our Beginning

Founded in 2023 at San Antonio’s historic Pearl Brewery, Hospitality Academy began as a single-level training program with a simple yet powerful mission: to create a shared language of excellence in hospitality. Backed by Silver Ventures and guided by hospitality leaders Kit Goldsbury, Gaby Carmona, and John Brand with educational support from former CIA Provost Mark Erickson, the Academy quickly grew from its early beginnings under the leadership of Denisse Gonzalez, who helped shape daily classes and operations.

Growth and Innovation

By 2024, the team expanded with Director Gary Rice and full-time instructor Hannah Marks, developing a comprehensive four-level curriculum that provided a new standard for professional hospitality training. In 2025, the Academy formally joined the Culinary Institute of America as part of its non-degree offerings, launched a registered apprenticeship with the U.S. Department of Labor and National Restaurant Association, and introduced both mentor training and custom-designed programs for organizations beyond San Antonio.

Looking Ahead Together

Hospitality Academy is poised to expand nationally in 2026 and beyond. Now, as a part of the CIA’s educational ecosystem, the Academy and the Institute stand united in advancing a shared vision to deliver innovative and industry-driven training and strengthen the future of hospitality education nationwide.