Grant Hewitt, VP of Beverage of Loews Hotels & Co, has 30+ years of experience in the hospitality industry starting off his career as a bartender and quickly moving into management roles. We ask Grant how he manages to stay on trend with the various beverage programs at Loews Hotels & Co, which owns and operates 25 hotels and resorts across the U.S. and Canada.
Tell us a bit about your background in the industry and what you do in your role with Loews Hotels.
I’ve spent 30+ years in the Food & Beverage industry. I started as a bartender in my teenage years, and quickly progressed to management roles consisting of General Manager, Director of F&B, Director of Operations, Corporate Director, and Corporate Vice President for Fortune 500 brands in hospitality. As Vice President of Beverage for Loews Hotels & Co my role consists of: Concept, develop and implement bar and restaurant designs ensuring functionality, aesthetics and an incredible guest experience. Build/leverage relationships with suppliers to maximize and support funding. Establish global beverage mandates for ALL outlets to include restaurants, bars, lounges, pools, in-room dining, grab-n-go and conference and catering. Set companywide overall cost expectations and revenue goals. Film and conduct live training to educate the team and ensure product knowledge. Build, develop and activate all beverage menus. Work with design firms and architects on all new builds and renovations.
Talk to us about the beverage programming, brand-wide, at Loews Hotels.
Our Beverage Program is thoughtfully crafted with the intent to showcase immersive experiences focusing on the unique geographic location of our properties. Flavor by Loews Hotels is a brand program that highlights the most delicious specialties our destinations have to offer. We partner with our cities’ most creative food and beverage artisans so guests can enjoy the best of the local culture from the comfort of our hotels.
What can guests expect at the beverage outlets when visiting the different hotel properties?
Guests can expect locally specific specialty cocktails, along with elevated selections of beer, wine and spirits that are synonymous with our brand.
What are some of the most popular drinks and why?
Some of the most popular drinks are true classic cocktails that have been reinvented with modern twists i.e. Aperol Spritz, Espresso Martini, Margarita, Old Fashioned and a Negroni.
What sets your beverage program apart from others?
The passion our team members exude to stay committed to each specific outlet concept by utilizing the best sources of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices and delivering a final product with exceptional service.
Talk to us a bit about your team.
We have a very diverse range of team members who embody our brand values. These individuals have a continued thirst for knowledge and education which allows them to be creative without limitations.
What inspires the menus/cocktails?
Our menus and cocktails are inspired by the best quality ingredients, the location and seasonality combined with current trends.
How do you stay on trend? What is trending now in the beverage world, from your POV?
I attend all relevant global beverage conferences, training and ideation summits. The inspiration for our programming stems from European cities such as London, Barcelona, Paris and Rome. A perfect example is this summer, each of our hotels are showcasing creative renditions of the Italian cocktail, The Spritz as part of Summerfest by Loews Hotels. Destination-inspired twists on the classic libation will be offered throughout the summer to celebrate locally sourced ingredients and garnishes.
Talk to us about the themes/culture of the spaces.
Each outlet offers a bespoke experience ranging from three-meal restaurants to sushi bars and whiskey rooms.
About Loews Hotels & Co
Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels & Co is rooted in deep heritage and excellence in service. The hospitality company encompasses branded independent Loews Hotels and a solid mix of partner-brand hotels. Loews Hotels & Co owns and/or operates 25 hotels and resorts across the U.S. and Canada, including eight hotels at Universal Orlando in partnership with Comcast NBC Universal. The newly opened Loews Coral Gables Hotel offers premier hospitality just four blocks from the city’s iconic Miracle Mile. Loews Arlington Hotel and Arlington Convention Center will open in 2024 in the city’s sports and entertainment district. Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews Hotels portfolio features properties grounded in family heritage and dedicated to delivering unscripted guest moments with a handcrafted approach. For reservations or more information about Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit: www.loewshotels.com.
The post We Ask Grant Hewitt About the Beverage Program at Loews Hotels appeared first on Chilled Magazine.
Source: Mixology News
