Kevin KruseÊwill lead the management operations for the eight-story, 65-room historic revitalisation of downtown Bristol’s notable Executive Plaza building. The hotel, managed by Charlestowne Hotels, will include a regionally-inspired restaurant serving authentic Appalachian cuisine, lively rooftop bar and prime event space.
Kruse is a native of Western Tennessee and a veteran of both the United States Marine Corps and luxury hotel industry. He brings over 30 years of international hospitality experience to the Bristol community, including a pedigreed, 27-year career at Ritz-Carlton properties in Laguna Niguel, Atlanta, San Juan, Chevy Chase and Dove Mountain. He also held general manager positions at B Ocean Resort in Fort Lauderdale and Savannah’s Mansion on Forsyth Park. His skills in providing high profile management, topnotch service and efficient operations will support the curation of The Bristol Hotel’s upscale environment.
Embracing The Bristol’s distinct surroundings and regional traditions, Kruse hopes to create an experience that appeals to both travellers and locals alike. ÊÒWhen I first arrived in Bristol, I was touched by the genuine warmth and sense of pride the people of Bristol have for their community,Ó says Kevin Kruse, general manager of The Bristol Hotel. ÒKnowing the strong emotional connection felt for the Executive Plaza building, I look to create a hotel culture that is authentic to the city’s Appalachian spirit.Ó
Steeped in history, The Bristol Hotel will revitalize the city centre as a new destination point with direct access to the city’s most prominent landmarks and activities, including the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, located next door. As general manager, Kruse will play an integral role in the strategic development of hotel amenities, creative programming and community partnerships that will further immerse guests in Bristol’s Americana, small-town culture. Stemming from his experience with Ritz-Carlton, Kruse’s success for cultivating a service-oriented environment will aid in effectively leading the hiring and training process of the staff. In addition to providing the area’s most high-touch luxury guest service, the staff at The Bristol Hotel will balance the role of the hotel concierge and destination guide ensuring guests experience the city’s historic legacy and deep-rooted traditions.
Having spent time in more than 84 countries, Kruse’s world-class experience allows for a deeper understanding of cultural identity. He is committed to preserving the influential nature of the city’s historic legacy and also serves on the board of The Bristol TN/VA Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). In addition to the success of The Bristol Hotel, Kruse will play a vital role in driving the growth of tourism to the Blue Ridge Mountain region.
The Bristol Hotel will feature 65 guest rooms, including seven junior suites and one top floor executive suite with sweeping views. As the only rooftop bar in Bristol, Lumac Rooftop Bar will provide an unmatched look of downtown Bristol and the scenic Appalachian Mountains complete with hand-crafted libations and playful bites. Vivian’s Table, a family-style restaurant concept on the first floor will serve sophisticated, regionally-inspired Southern cuisine with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, while a hand-crafted lobby bar boasting the building’s historic hand-crank elevator as the centrepiece will serve as Bristol’s social hub. In tandem with the ability to buy out each venue, guests can also host social events within the 2,800 square feet of meeting space housed in the Executive Building’s former ÒArcade.Ó
