About Us
About Us
What began as a simple idea from owner Beau Theriot has grown into one of Austin’s most iconic destinations. Over the past four decades, The Oasis on Lake Travis has evolved into a beloved landmark, perched high above the water in the heart of the Hill Country.
Known as the Sunset Capital of Texas, The Oasis draws guests from around the world to take in its sweeping views and unforgettable sunsets—moments that have become a defining part of the experience. Along the way, the restaurant has weathered challenges, including a devastating fire in 2005, and emerged stronger than ever, continuing to build on Beau’s original vision.
Today, The Oasis is more than a restaurant—it’s a destination filled with tradition. From the nightly sunset celebration and ringing of the Sunset Bell, to the annual Sunset Photo Contest and tributes that honor our heroes, each visit offers something memorable. Guests can also enjoy private event spaces, wedding venues, and live music at Beau’s Backyard and the Starlight Terrace. And for a lasting keepsake, visitors can take part in the Lover’s Locks tradition—adding their own mark to the decks and becoming part of The Oasis story.
Our Team
The Oasis is home to some of the best management in the world. Get to know them here!
Virginia Ramsey
Executive Director
Virginia has been with the Oasis since 1997, starting her career at The Oasis as General Manager for Theriot Retail Interests, opening and operating several stores. Since then, she has earned her titles of Executive Director, Director of Human Resources, Consultant and Strategist for The Oasis, Marketing and Public Relations, Retail General Manager and Buyer, even Hostess, when needed. The accomplishment Virginia is most proud, occurred after the devastating fire on June 1st, 2005 that almost ended the Oasis. She relocated 119 Oasis employees to different positions around the city, many of which returned to The Oasis after it was rebuilt. She is one busy lady, but will drop everything to help 'her babies' as she fondly calls the employees, even in their personal lives outside The Oasis. She lives her mantra, "The way we go about it matters", in her daily dealings with the staff, guests, and vendors.
Kore Wayne
Assistant General Manager
Kore A. Wayne has been with the Oasis family since 2005 and serves as Assistant General Manager. Kore began his career as a server, and then quickly worked his way up to managing our catering department. Because of his attention to detail, work ethic and professionalism, was then promoted to Front of House Manager, specifically handling all IT issues on a day-to-day basis. Kore was born in Santa Barbara, CA, and moved to Austin when he was two years old. He now resides in Leander, TX with his wife, and twins, Natalie and Nicholas. Kore says working at The Oasis, “is like working on a stationary cruise ship! You never know what could be going on: besides our general dinning, weddings, rehearsal, dinners, birthday parties, graduations, live music! I absolutely love it!”
Joel Garza
Manager
Raised in Brownsville, Texas, Joel Garza began his career in the restaurant industry while in high school. After graduation, Joel moved to Austin and joined the U.S Army while also going to school for Culinary Arts. He served in Desert Storm/Desert Shield as a hospital dietitian, and after eight years Joel left the Army to utilize his extensive experience in the service industry. He returned to Austin in 2002 and started working at The Oasis as a server. From there, he was quickly promoted as a trainer, bartender, lead bartender, and finally, a restaurant manager. In his spare time, Joel enjoys spending time with his family, golfing and fishing.
Eric Franks
Facility Manager
Eric Franks has been in the restaurant business for over twenty years, over half of those years spent in restaurant management. Eric has worked for The Oasis since 2003, where he was hired as a dishwasher. Through hard work and dedication, Eric grew into a bar manager, front-of-house manager, and into his current position as The Oasis facility manager and maintenance director. "I love working with my hands. Growing up around my Uncles, I gained the majority of my experience in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing at a young age, invaluable expertise benefiting The Oasis."
Vicente Moreno
Executive Kitchen Director
Vicente began working at the OASIS Restaurant when he was just sixteen years old. With the OASIS being his first job, Vicente started as a dishwasher and prep cook. Vicente was recognized for his impressive work ethic and was quickly promoted to a line cook after mastering every position for the kitchen. Now, as the Executive Kitchen Director, there is not a single position in the kitchen that Vicente has not spent years perfecting. His respect and kindness towards his staff and his bilingual skills have proven invaluable to both Virginia Ramsey and the Human Resources Department as well. Vicente has been a loyal and dedicated member of the OASIS Team for over two decades.
Melody English
Guest Relations, Retail Manager
Melody was born in Alice, Texas, and moved to Austin with her family when she was just 12 years old. With her love for live music and the arts and being from a very talented and musical family, Melody was the obvious choice to be responsible for booking bands for our two live music venues. Melody works in other roles including; Marketing, Advertising, Graphic Design Oversight, Retail Manager, and Buyer, and more importantly, she serves as the Guest Relations Manager and Personal Assistant to the Executive Director. Her work ethic and willingness to tackle any job presented to her are viewed as exciting adventures. Along with the many hats and responsibilities Melody is entrusted with at The Oasis, she and her brother Nathan English are co-owners of a Metal Fabrication Business here in Austin, as well as Prima Dora, a retail store located in Georgetown, TX.
Adam Tompkins
Events Director
Like many of The Oasis' longtime staff, Adam began his journey in 1999 waiting tables to pay his way through college. Adam continues to evolve with The Oasis and is now a man who consistently executes first-rate, one-of-a-kind gatherings. He enjoys seeing carefully choreographed events come together without a hitch, whether it be business breakfasts, bat mitzvahs, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, graduation celebrations, or extravagant parties. With what feels like a hobby to him, Adam leaves every client with a beautiful lifetime memory. "No one ever comes out to The Oasis and says, 'Darn-it, I have to throw a party.'" Adam declares, "This is an Austin institution, a one-of-a-kind destination. With the food, the view, the ambiance... my job is almost easy!"
Beth Dale
Wedding Coordinator
After working for The Oasis for seven years, Beth accepted the position of Wedding Coordinator. Three years later she decided to spend time at home raising her new baby boy, Owen. Now she's back and is thrilled to work at The Oasis again as Wedding Coordinator and is working with couples to plan their special day. "There is nothing more exciting than helping two people who are deeply in love celebrate their union as a married couple. The best part is seeing how happy the two are on their wedding day and knowing that all the details and hours of planning, created an event that will bring a lifetime of wonderful memories."
