When you’ve worked in one industry for 35 years, you’re going to learn a few things along the way. Meet Francesco Lafranconi, vice president of beverage and hospitality culture for Carver Road Hospitality, parent company of Carversteak at Resorts World Las Vegas. We asked the well-versed Lafranconi, who’s immersed himself in the beverage and hospitality industry for that long, what he’s discovered:
• “I like to create an experience for the guest,” he says. “I feel like if you come to a venue, you should be able to travel the world from your barstool”;
• “Have a staff that really cares, is personable and makes you feel comfortable, respected and pampered. I think that’s one of the fundamentals for the hospitality culture”;
• “Being able to promote wines, spirits, alcoholic beverages—I think we are fine promoters of civilizations because we are allowing our guests to experience spirits that are centuries old in the making and they represent countries”;
• “Our passion, creativity and knowledge is expressed through the ingredients and brands we carry.”
Born in Italy, Lafranconi was raised in the family bar business. When he was 28, he came to Las Vegas to work for spirits-supplying- juggernaut Southern Glazier Wine & Spirits. Spending 18 years there, he helped establish a training and educational program and served as the executive director of mixology and spirits education. After his tenure, he stepped out on his own and opened Mr. Coco, a cocktail haven at Palms. Then the pandemic closed the entire property. A year ago, he joined Carversteak’s parent company and helped open the restaurant and establish its impressive beverage program.
Lafranconi leaves us with one more thought: “At the end of the day, it’s about establishing relationships and connecting with the guests; to please the senses of my guests. I’m grateful. Very grateful.”
Libation: Hello Sunshine
A delicious sip, newly created for the season by Lafranconi is the Hello Sunshine. Inspired by the classic gimlet drink, this specialty cocktail is mixed with either Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla gin or Grey Goose Le Citron vodka, yellow Chartreuse, Pallini limoncello, fresh-squeezed lime juice, Rose’s lime fine cut marmalade and Scrappy’s bergamot bitters. The drink is garnished with a sliced strawberry and lemon verbena that comes straight from Carversteak’s own patio herb garden and a pinch of Maldon sea salt.
Benefit: Guests will be able to choose their own steak knife from a bespoke selection presented to them when seated.
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