Our Team
A collective of chefs and hospitality professionals dedicated to thoughtful cuisine, gracious service, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Chef Jacob Stull is the chef and owner of Rêve, Birmingham’s first permanent fine dining tasting menu restaurant. A native of Frederick, Maryland, Chef Stull’s culinary journey has taken him through some of the country’s most celebrated dining destinations, from the refined traditions of the East Coast to the vibrant culinary heritage of Charleston and New Orleans. These experiences shaped his deep reverence for French technique, seasonality, and the art of hospitality.
With a foundation built in both savory cuisine and pastry, Chef Stull approaches cooking through the lens of precision, balance, and emotion. In founding Rêve, he sought to create a modern expression of haute cuisine, one that honors the discipline and elegance of French culinary tradition while celebrating the distinctive ingredients, landscapes, and stories of the American South.
Since opening, Rêve has become a defining force in Birmingham’s evolving culinary landscape, earning recognition from the Michelin Guide within its first year and establishing Chef Stull as one of the region’s most compelling culinary voices. Named to FSR Magazine’s 40 Under 40 list in 2025, Chef Stull continues to push the boundaries of contemporary dining through immersive tasting menus that unite technique, terroir, and storytelling.
Chef Jacob M. Stull
Pastry Chef Caitlyn "Cate" Cole brings curiosity, precision, and a deep appreciation for seasonality to every dessert at Rêve. Her approach balances classical French technique with a sense of play, drawing inspiration from Southern ingredients, changing harvests, and the memories that food has the power to evoke.
Working alongside Chef Jacob Stull, Cate develops desserts that conclude the tasting menu with the same narrative and intention found throughout the savory courses. Each creation is designed not simply as a sweet ending, but as a final chapter—thoughtful, balanced, and rooted in the philosophy of haute paysan.
With an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and hospitality, Cate's work reflects the belief that dessert should linger in memory long after the final bite.
Chef Caitlyn Cole
James Clanton is the Dining Room Manager and Sommelier at Rêve, where he brings together thoughtful hospitality, refined service, and a deep appreciation for the world of wine. As a steward of the guest experience, James approaches each evening with a commitment to precision, warmth, and genuine connection, ensuring that every element of the dining experience feels intentional.
With a passion for the traditions of fine dining and the artistry of pairing, James curates Rêve’s beverage experience with a focus on balance, discovery, and harmony with the cuisine. His thoughtful approach to wine allows each selection to enhance the story of the menu while creating memorable moments for every guest.
As an integral member of the Rêve team, James helps define the restaurant’s vision of modern hospitality, where exceptional service, thoughtful beverage pairings, and a sincere sense of welcome come together to create an unforgettable experience.
James Clanton
