He’s been a dishwasher, server, busser and maître d’. He’s been a French cuisine chef, bartender, seafood cook and sommelier. He’s worked in the food and beverage industry all around the world, including Fiji, Japan, Singapore, New York and the Caribbean. He’s helped run some of Las Vegas’ hottest nightclubs on the Strip. Yup, I think it’s safe to say that Robert Wilkes is the man when it comes to the industry—and he’s brought all that experience and his talents to Golden Nugget, where he’s the director of nightlife.
“Pick me up and drop me anywhere and watch me go,” says Wilkes when referring to all the positions he’s held. With nearly three decades in the industry, Wilkes says he follows one mantra: “We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen,” he says. “We’re professional and we do everything we can for the (customer) within reason. That’s the hospitality industry.”
As the director of nightlife, Wilkes oversees all the property’s bars and lounges, including Troy Liquor Bar, where we conducted the photo shoot and interview. Troy is a nightclub-lounge hybrid, where you can dance to live DJs, order bottle service and dress to impress.
“People can come in and relax or party and we’ll take care of them,” says Wilkes. “We don’t hard sell—you don’t have to wait till you get your company bonus or wait for an anniversary to come here. You’re not going to be broke after leaving here. … At Troy our staff develops relationships with the guests. Here, it’s the way nightlife was meant to be.”
Reflecting on his career, Wilkes has learned a lot, but he’s also quick to point out that he’s put in the work. “I’ve worked hard,” he says. “I busted my ass and got paid to work all around the world. If what you do for a living is something you’re not passionate about—you’ve made the wrong decision, seriously.”
Libation: Troy Tea
Troy Liquor Bar offers specialty cocktails like the Troy Tea, mixed with Jameson Irish whiskey, DeKuyper Peachtree Schnapps, sweet and sour and Sprite. And Wilkes is right: Unlike many other nightclubs, you don’t have to spend an exorbitant amount on bottle service. Prices start around the low-$200s and don’t top $400 for almost every type of spirit. An awesome nightly special is one bottle of Absolut Elyx vodka and one bottle of Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut champagne for only $299!
Benefit: Troy Liquor Bar offers a huge patio that overlooks the famed Fremont Street Experience.
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