Author Archives: Quinn Pochekailo

Flamingo Restaurant Grand Opening

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In October 2023, the National Park Service and Guest Services, Inc. celebrated the opening of the Flamingo Lodge and Guy Bradley Visitor Center, a landmark event attended by key figures and covered extensively by media outlets. This new development, featuring the environmentally innovative Flamingo Lodge and the historically significant Guy Bradley Visitor Center, offers visitors unique experiences through its modern amenities and breathtaking views. 

Now, we are excited to highlight the grand opening of the Flamingo Restaurant that took place on December 29th, 2023.

The restaurant was created with the same innovative environmentally friendly construction as the Lodge and is located on the same block with identical awe-inspiring views. Guests can now indulge in an exquisite, modern culinary journey as part of their unforgettable Everglades National Park experience. Fresh seafood, tasty cocktails, and an immersive historic ambiance make this a truly unforgettable dining experience, and only a few feet from the Lodge rooms.

“The menu is reflective of all the different places I’ve been, what I’ve learned as a professional, and what I’ve come to understand guests enjoy,” says Margaret McCarthy, Food & Beverage Manager and Chef at Everglades Flamingo Adventures.

“We’ve been open now for a little over a month, and things are going very well. We are looking forward to developing the restaurant into a gathering place by featuring a big-screen TV, board games, and other fun things to engage guests. Hopefully, it will start to serve as a comfortable lobby because there is no real lobby for the rest of the Lodge,” says Margaret.

The menu features a wide variety of awesome locally sourced dishes that use fresh ingredients and according to one guest, ‘the best Cubana in Florida.’ The team makes their salsas and sauces from scratch, smokes their pork onsite, and offers an experience unlike any other restaurant in the park system. Thank you to the entire team and everyone that makes this destination exceptional!

Welcoming Rod Taylor as Vice President of Hospitality

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Congratulations to Rod Taylor, the new Guest Services Vice President of Hospitality! Rod’s career in hospitality began in 1980 as a mechanic in marinas, setting the stage for his growth in the industry. During his tenure with Forever Resorts, the previous concessionaire at our Lake Mead units, his role involved managing operations where they rented houseboats, dining operations, and much more, showcasing his ability to handle large-scale hospitality services.

 

Recently, Nico Foris, CEO, congratulated him by saying, “I am very excited to announce the promotion of Rod Taylor to Vice President of Hospitality, effective January 1, 2024. His dedication, commitment, and expertise have truly set Rod apart to join our executive leadership team at Guest Services. Rod’s four decades of operational experience, large-scale problem-solving of complicated matters with the National Park Service, and effective team management and leadership align so well with Guest Services’ core values, and he will continue to build upon the success of the division. In his new role, Rod will be responsible for overseeing the five properties at Lake Mead, Lake Roosevelt, Stehekin, Mount Rainier, and Big Sur. Please join me in congratulating Rod on this well-deserved promotion!”

 

Honoring Barry Trice: Celebrating 27 Years of Excellence as He Transitions into Retirement

We would also like to celebrate Barry Trice, our esteemed Senior Vice President of Hospitality, who is transitioning toward retirement. Barry’s 27 years of dedicated service have been a cornerstone of our success, setting a high standard of excellence and fostering key partnerships that have greatly benefitted Guest Services.

Nico said, “Barry Trice, our Senior Vice President of Hospitality, is now embarking on a separate transition toward retirement. Barry’s twenty-seven years of service to the Company has been invaluable.  He has established a standard of excellence and cultivated so many key partnerships and relationships, which we still maintain today. Barry will remain part of Guest Services to support Rod during the transition efforts over the next year and continue to be involved with our existing units on a lesser scale, notably at Florida Southern, Musical Instrument Museum, The Doubletree, and the Condominium & Property Management division. We are all extremely grateful for Barry’s contributions past, present, and into the future during this exciting time.”

Guest Services, Inc. Invites Travelers to Embrace the Outdoors with Adventures Unbound

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New Brand from Leading Hospitality Company Offers Ultimate Opportunity for 
Outdoor Enthusiasts

FAIRFAX, Va., Jan. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today’s travel enthusiast seeks more than just a vacation; they seek a personal connection to the unforgettable outdoors. Adventures Unbound, the new brand from venerable hospitality company, Guest Services, Inc., embraces this spirit, enabling travelers to rediscover the wonders of nature. Featuring a new online platform and an integrated brand experience at nearly 50 Guest Services locations across the country, Adventures Unbound will offer a personal connection to the unforgettable outdoors.

Within the brand lies a gateway to iconic destinations and hidden gems, where uncomplicated enjoyment paves the way to unforgettable memories. Designed with the traveler’s needs in mind, the Adventures Unbound website serves as a comprehensive, one-stop booking platform for so many treasured locations across the country. Options range from scenic lodges to recreational activities at state and national parks, catering to all outdoor enthusiasts – from the experienced national park adventurers to the newcomers eager to embrace nature.

“Embodying our tagline, ‘Your Personal Connection to the Unforgettable Outdoors,’ Adventures Unbound is a testament to our 107-year commitment to making the outdoors accessible, inspiring, and transformative,” said Guest Services’ Chief Executive Officer Nico Foris. “The introduction of the Adventures Unbound brand unites dozens of Guest Services’ managed properties that share the common goal of serving guests who seek exceptional experiences in America’s great outdoors.”

The newly launched Adventures Unbound website is an intuitive portal that invites users to explore, plan, and book their ideal outdoor adventure. Visitors can tailor their search to explore seven different Collections of geographically-clustered properties, such as the Capital Collection of offerings near our nation’s capital, the Sunshine Collection featuring lodging and recreational offerings throughout the state of Florida, and the Summit Collection offering mountain adventures in Colorado and Minnesota. Travelers can also explore adventures by activity type – from an adrenaline-fueled getaway to a relaxing wellness escape.

With the future launch of a loyalty program and other signature guest-focused programs, Adventures Unbound will offer travelers not only a seamless booking experience but also access to special offers, exclusive promotions, and unforgettable experiences. Find details on the new brand and exclusive items at various travel expos and trade shows throughout 2024.

Guest Services is committed to delivering innovative hospitality, ensuring that every trip taken through an Adventures Unbound property is more than just a journey — it’s a gateway to myriad enriching travel experiences. Whether seeking solitude in nature or an active adventure, Adventures Unbound will connect travelers to some of the nation’s most unique outdoor locations, from the foothills of Mount Rainier to the swamps of the Everglades and in between.

Learn more at https://exploreadventuresunbound.com/ or connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

About Guest Services, Inc.

Since 1917, Guest Services, Inc. has earned the reputation of providing the highest quality food, lodging, and leisure services for valued clients and guests throughout the United States. Guest Services offers hospitality management services across a variety of client sites including private and government dining services, national parks, senior living centers, school and university dining facilities, specialty retail stores, and full-service restaurants. For more information, please visit https://www.guestservices.com/.

SOURCE Guest Services, Inc.

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