Happy Friday Hospitality Hero!

As a Hospitality Hero, you understand the outsized role of food and beverage (F&B) in the world of Hospitality. From hearth and home to dining out, the ritual of eating and drinking brings us together, fostering connections and creating memorable experiences. This week’s Friday Five celebrates the essence of F&B in Hospitality. Hopefully, it will help inspire a festive and perhaps slightly naughty kickoff to Memorial Day Weekend.

The Friday Five:

1. This Week's Feature: I enjoyed speaking with Michael Doneff from Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in our latest episode, #155. Michael shares his insights on the vital role of F&B in creating exceptional guest experiences. His passion for Hospitality and, most importantly, storytelling shines through, offering valuable lessons for us all. I can verify that Michael has also been known to throw an amazing party…

Listen to the full episode with Michal here:

2. Memory Lane: Let’s revisit Episode #36 with David Kaplan of Death & Co, originally aired on January 12, 2022. David delves into the “B” in F&B, highlighting the importance of beverages in the Hospitality industry. Don’t miss this recent article by Jordan Michelman that explores the evolution of Death & Co. Read the article here. Revisit David Kaplan’s episode here about how, in hotels, he’s found success leading with the “B” in F&B.

3. A Dash of Inspiration: Here’s a compelling photo of Death & Co. at the Ramble in Denver, showcasing their stunning bar setup and the ambiance they create. This image is a testament to how design and presentation in F&B can elevate the guest experience, especially when intentionally leading with the “B.”

4. Journey Shorteners: To understand the importance of beverages and, more importantly, how to make them! LOL - Here’s a link to Death & Co’s “Modern Classic Cocktails,” which offers a wealth of knowledge on crafting exceptional drinks. These resources are invaluable for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the beverage side of F&B. Explore Death & Co’s Books Here. In fact, my copy is quite worn out; I wonder if David will send me a new one. Memorial Day is upon us. Check out the “Naked and Famous”; it should help make a memorable weekend. “An equal-parts concoction of mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and lime juice, the Naked & Famous has all the markers of a "modern classic" cocktail: its reach has extended far beyond our bars, its recipe is approachable and easy to replicate, and it's singularly delicious.”

5. Upcoming Industry Events: Below is a list of exciting industry events where we can connect, learn, and grow together. Let's continue to build our hive and support one another on this incredible journey!

Naturally,

Dan Ryan