Although he started out in marketing and playing football at Ohio State University, Brandon Handy “stumbled upon (a) hospitality management course, and I’ve always had a desire for food and cocktails, so I enrolled in the program.” That decision put Handy on the path to a successful career he loves. Today, he’s the assistant general manager of Vanderpump Cocktail Garden (owned by Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Lisa Vanderpump) at Caesars Palace.
Handy’s road to Vanderpump is quite impressive, too. He moved to Las Vegas a decade ago to help open Marquee at The Cosmopolitan. From there, he’s worked for hot spots including Hakkasan Restaurant at MGM Grand and Vista Cocktail Lounge at Caesars Palace. It’s while he was managing Vista that he was tapped to help open Vanderpump. “It was just supposed to be for three to four weeks, but after that time had passed, they asked me to stay longer,” Handy says. “Then, a few months down the road, I got the offer to be the assistant general manager.
“Working for the Vanderpumps is great—Lisa, Ken and Pandora—it’s absolutely wonderful. They’re very nice to the staff, to the fans, it’s been a pleasure this whole time.”
As a manager, Handy oversees the staff and day-to-day operations. “I’m very fun, I’m very upbeat and I’m very fair,” he says. “Even though it’s work, people should enjoy themselves.”
Reflecting on how far he’s come since switching his major in college, Handy looks back and is grateful. “Working for Caesars and the Vanderpumps is a wonderful opportunity and I don’t take it for granted. I consider it a blessing and I’m very appreciative of where I’m at.”
Away from the job you can find Handy raising his son, hitting the gym and shopping the latest fashions—and posting it all on Instagram. Check it all out @mrhandy85.
Bottom’s Up
The Bottom’s Up cocktail wowed the cast of Vanderpump Rules when they stopped by Vanderpump Cocktail Garden this summer and were treated to the specialty cocktail. And it certainly will turn heads when you order it. The drink, which serves many, is a mix of Cointreau, Grand Marnier, lime juice, agave juice, juiced strawberries, lime and orange wheels, strawberries, edible flowers, jalapeño slices and, wait for it … a 1-liter bottle of Casamigos Blanco tequila. Bottoms up, indeed!
