Justin Mason Is IN as Executive Chef at The Sun Dial

The Sun Dial, the revolving restaurant in the sky above Downtown's Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel, has a new executive chef. Justin Mason has taken over the kitchen, and he'll debut a new menu on Wednesday, May 4.

Mason previously served as sous chef at The Sun Dial, joining the restaurant in 2014, and he replaces outgoing executive chef Jason Starnes. Details on Starnes's departure were not immediately available. The Sun Dial is filling its sous chef role with an in-house hire, promoting Ralph Trillo to the position. Like Mason, Trillo joined the restaurant in 2014.

Mason graduated from the New England Culinary Institute in 2006. His 14 years of professional cooking experience includes time at the Boca Raton Beach Club & Resort in Miami and Vidalia and PS 7's in Washington, D.C.

"The Sun Dial is completely chef-driven, and we're looking forward to Chef Justin's fresh perspective to surpass expectations and push culinary boundaries at the restaurant," Brad Schoknecht, director of restaurants and bars at the Westin Peachtree Plaza, said in a prepared statement. "As we celebrate 40 years in Atlanta, we will continue to provide locals and guests with dynamic dishes, panoramic skyline views, and outstanding service."

Update: While specific details weren't given, a spokesperson for The Sun Dial commented on Starnes's departure.

"Chef Jason joined us during our extensive renovation and helped us introduce a significant local, chef-driven focus to our restaurant," the spokesperson said in an email to Eater Atlanta. "Chef Justin was an integral part of that team and will continue to build on that foundation. We wish Jason the best of luck as he continues his career in the industry."