Following his retirement, Mirabel Hotel & Restaurant Group CEO David Fink has sold his ownership shares to Sorasea Hospitality LLC.
Sorasea has been formed by two-Michelin-starred Chef Justin Cogley and Janet Elarmo to manage all Mirabel properties: L’Auberge Carmel, Aubergine Restaurant and Carmel Beach Hotel. The two are current ownership partners and manage much of the day-to-day operations.
Cogley and Elarmo have more than 50 years of combined experience in boutique hotels and restaurants. “I’ve always been inspired by change and strive to showcase something new for our guests each time they visit,” said Cogley. “It is with this same sense of inspiration, excitement and creativity that Janet and I move forward with Sorasea and our expanded roles at these celebrated boutique hotels and restaurants. We feel honored to take over from David and look forward to expanding upon the strong foundation we built together.”
Cogley came to Carmel nearly 15 years ago to helm Aubergine. Under his leadership at the restaurant and later as a partner in Mirabel, Aubergine earned its spot as a leading Michelin-starred restaurant in Monterey County, currently serving as the only two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Central California.
A Monterey Peninsula native, Elarmo began her career with Four Sisters Inns 25 years ago and then restaurants, always with a focus on operations.
The company already has a new venture in the works: Corner Market, opening in Spring 2026 and located in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Corner Market will fill a key gap in Carmel’s culinary scene by offering a high-quality lunch and dinner destination with the added appeal of relaxed, coastal-inspired lunches and dinners.
Additionally, Sorasea will continue a working relationship with Esperanza Carmel, a real estate partner and investor in L’Auberge Carmel, Aubergine Restaurant and Carmel Beach Hotel. “Esperanza Carmel remains a valued and respected partner in this next chapter and continues to support the long-term strength and vision of these properties,” said Elarmo.
“Esperanza Carmel began working with L’Auberge Carmel in early 2020,” said Patrice Pastor, president, Esperanza Carmel. “After a short period of getting to know each other, the company opted to take a small share in the operating/tenant company in line with agreeing to a longer lease over both this property and the now Carmel Beach Hotel, which we purchased in late 2019. I really appreciated working with David, both for his professionalism and for his kindness towards me. David made his intentions to retire and exit the business known to us, and Chef Justin and Janet were the clear team to become the new stewards of these fantastic boutique Carmel hotels. I wish them every success with this new chapter in their lives.”
