Hotel Maverick, Grand Junction Colo.’s premier independent boutique hotel situated on the campus of Colorado Mesa University, announced the appointment of Ernest Brown as director of food, beverage and culinary. With more than three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Brown will oversee all aspects of the award-winning hotel’s culinary operations, including banquets; onsite coffee shop, Bettys; and popular rooftop restaurant, Devil’s Kitchen.
Brown most recently served as director of food and beverage at Grand Hyatt Vail. Prior to this he held many culinary director and chef roles at notable hotels, resorts, casinos and restaurants in Las Vegas, New Orleans, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Chicago and more. His duties involved operating dining concepts; executing new restaurant openings, such as the House of Blues locations in Anaheim and inside the famed Mandalay Bay; in addition to working with notable chefs at Caesar’s Palace including Giada De Laurentiis, Gordon Ramsey Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse.
Bringing his unique flair, passion for service and guest experience and strong business acumen to Hotel Maverick as director of food, beverage and culinary, Brown will utilize his experience and expansive repertoire of skills to manage and train staff, handle budgets and curate the hotel’s menu of regionally inspired cuisine. Brown will also oversee the culinary arm of Hotel Maverick’s hospitality management program which offers Colorado Mesa University students hands-on career experience through one-of-a-kind hospitality and culinary teaching programs at Hotel Maverick and its culinary concepts. Brown will mentor students seeking degrees in culinary and hotel management, providing them with the knowledge and practical experience necessary for a successful career in the industry.
