Houston
Downtown
The Team
Great people who know how to make every guest feel at home are the difference between a restaurant and an enduring tradition. Learn more about the familiar faces that bring your Palm to life.
Brian Slawson
General Manager
Brian Slawson has been with The Palm for nearly four years and brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience. Throughout his career, he has worked in several cities, including Miami, Kansas City, and Houston, building a passion for guest service and creating memorable experiences.
At The Palm Houston, Brian enjoys bringing guests’ visions to life and delivering events that leave a lasting impression. A Miami native and dedicated food enthusiast, he appreciates diverse cultures and cuisines and is always eager to explore new culinary experiences.
Jan Bonugli
Sales & Events Manager
Jan Bonugli serves as Sales & Events Manager at The Palm Houston, where she has spent the past six years creating elevated private dining and event experiences for corporate and social clients. With a career built entirely in hospitality, she brings a deep understanding of service, guest experience, and event execution to every occasion.
Recognized as a top-performing sales manager in 2025, Jan is known for her attention to detail, collaborative approach, and passion for bringing each client's vision to life. A Houston native, she enjoys discovering exceptional dining experiences throughout the city and draws inspiration from the thoughtful touches that make every guest experience memorable.
Kris Perez
Executive Chef
Chef Kris Perez discovered his passion for cooking at an early age while spending time in the kitchen with his grandmother in Southwest Texas. After graduating from The Culinary Institute LeNôtre, he began his professional career at The Oceanaire Seafood Room, where his talent and dedication quickly propelled him through the ranks from Kitchen Manager to Sous Chef.
After exploring new opportunities, Kris returned to The Oceanaire in 2018 and was promoted to Executive Chef just two years later. At the end of 2025, he joined The Palm Houston as Executive Chef, where he brings his passion for exceptional cuisine, leadership, and hospitality to every guest experience.