James Kramer

Senior Vice President of Beverage Operations
Fertitta Entertainment

Board Member
Texas Restaurant Association

James Kramer serves as senior vice president of beverage operations at Fertitta Entertainment, where he leads beverage strategy across a diverse portfolio of restaurant and entertainment concepts. His work spans high-volume cocktail programs to rare and collectible wines, with a focus on consistency, quality and innovation across all venues.

In 2025, Kramer was named to the board of the Texas Restaurant Association (class of 2026), recognizing his leadership and ongoing commitment to the hospitality industry in Texas.

He began his career in hospitality in 1992 as a bartender at Landry’s Seafood House in Kemah while attending a junior college on a physics scholarship. What started as a part-time job quickly turned into a lifelong career spanning more than 30 years.

Over the years, he has led complex beverage operations and built strong partnerships across the industry, including work connected with organizations such as the Houston Rockets. He is known for developing scalable programs, building lasting relationships and enhancing the guest experience through thoughtful beverage strategy.

Kramer credits much of his success to the teams he has worked with and led throughout his career.

He and his wife, Karyn, have been married more than 20 years and live in the Houston area. They are raising their daughter, Emma, who keeps them busy with her high school activities and sports. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors and with his family.