Neil Kothare is the General Manager of Bacalar, a legacy restaurant inspired by the culture and cuisine of the Yucatan Peninsula. Kothare is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, ensuring the highest standards of service, and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests. Kothare is a seasoned hospitality and restaurant operations expert with almost 25 years of experience in Austin, TX.

Neil attended the University of Texas before embarking on a career in the hospitality industry. Kothare worked his way up the ranks through hard work, dedication, and genuine passion, holding various roles in restaurants around Austin. He has opened more than 15 new restaurants over the course of his career before joining the opening team at Bacalar.

Working alongside Executive Chef Gabe Erales and the Urbanspace Hospitality team, Kothare is excited to turn their vision into reality. He is committed to ensuring that Bacalar becomes a legacy restaurant in Austin as a go-to destination for amazing food and exceptional hospitality.
One of Kothare’s greatest passions is being a supportive mentor, coach, and motivator for the staff at Bacalar. He believes that creating a positive and inclusive work environment is crucial to the success of the restaurant. Through his supportive approach, Kothare aims to foster a sense of family among the staff and help each develop their skills and elevate their careers.

When he’s not working at Bacalar, Kothare enjoys pursuing his artistic talents, including singing, playing guitar, and painting. He believes that nurturing his creative side helps him maintain a sense of balance and adds value to his work as the General Manager.