Food + Beverage = life

Passion

My love-affair with hospitality started as a child when my family would gather for our version of quality time: It was always spent around the dinner table. All were welcomed: Family, friends, neighbors and their family, friends, and neighbors. There was always warmth, and certain something that I just could not quite put my finger on: I simply knew if to be magic. I would learn that what I was feeling was hospitality at its most genuine. Later in the evening my father and I would sneak off to the cellar where the time was spent bonding over spirits…wine specifically. These moments were even more treasured and fueled my passion for wines.

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Experience

My first gig in the industry was a dishwasher during my teenage years. I eventually worked my way to the bar and stuck with it until I graduated. Armed with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management from Penn State University, I was ready for something new, and it came at Rare Bar and Grill, New York. Shortly thereafter, I accepted the position of General manager and was instrumental in growing the brand. I would later join B.R. Guest Hospitality, leading a team of passionate hospitality professionals: Notable accomplishments are the iconic Blue Water Grill, Union Square, Atlantic Grill, Manhattan, David Burke’s Primehouse, Manhattan and Strip House, Manhattan.

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Following my life ambition of skipping winters, I moved to South Florida and quickly found a new home at the Boca Resort & Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. It is here, where I would become a certified Sommelier. From Assistant Director of Restaurant and Bars, to Director of Beverage, I utilized my many experiences to reinvigorate the resort through the creation of a modern beverage program that boosted craft cocktails, and a mixology program. The carefully curated wine list would later be a recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. Then the Colony Hotel, Palm Beach invited me to join the team in efforts to reinvent their restaurant and banquet offerings as the Director of Food & Beverage: I accepted.
 

Following The Colony, I looked to apply my knowledge to help others win in hospitality. I was able to help pre opening development for Scussi Trattoria and Palm Beach Gardens.

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It was not long before the opportunity to open The Ben, a New Autograph Collection Hotel in West Palm Beach where I was to be the Director of Food & Beverage. Tasks with leading the team from construction, to opening and then navigate through the Covid-19 pandemic I was able to show my strength in leadership and adaptability. 

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Commitment

Today, I make the commitment to utilize the wealth of experience I have accumulated during my career to start this consulting firm, Hammer Hospitality. Dedicated to results for the solutions my clients are craving, Hammer Hospitality is here to help you navigate and succeed in all your business needs.