Conversations with Nick Duffy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Duffy.

Hi Nick , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in a small town in northwestern Pennsylvania. I graduated college in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. Throughout college I played music as a singer/songwriter in the local bars and restaurants around my college town and hometown. After graduating I moved to Nashville to pursue a career in the music industry. While I served tables during the day I played songwriter rounds and downtown bars at night. It was truly one of the best experiences of my life. As I was meeting incredible musicians and people for that matter, it was time to start thinking about the future. I had went from serving tables to support myself while playing music to absolutely loving every aspect of hospitality. I decided to except the offer to go into restaurant management with Chilis and could not be happier with my decision. In 2019 I moved from Nashville to California to marry my amazing wife and pursue my career in hospitality.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges that comes with managing in the hospitality industry is that inevitably you will be leading a wide array of different teams throughout your career. Teams with different values, different cultures and different beliefs. While this is certainly challenging I believe this is where the personal and professional growth comes from. Being able to adapt to personalities and identify what type of coaching approach best fits each individual is what really defines us as leaders.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I spent the first 12 years of my career in hospitality with Chili’s. As much as I appreciated the training and experience Chili’s provided me with I was ready for something more. In 2021 I shifted gears and joined the Zislis Group as Bar Manager for The Brews Hall in Hermosa Beach. This was a brand new restaurant that we opened in May of 2021. Being a part of a new restaurant opening was exciting and refreshing! From there I was promoted to General Manager of Brewco in December of 2021. After a strong winter and spring season at Brewco the group offered me the position of General Manager at Zinc@Shade. I was very grateful for the opportunity and excited to work in a restaurant so closely connected to it’s hotel. With Shade being a small but beautiful luxury boutique hotel I had the opportunity to work closely with all departments from the front desk to housekeeping. It is an incredibly motivating place to work because there is so much potential for growth and development within just 4 walls. This past January I was promoted to Director of F&B and I’m really enjoying every aspect of my new role. I am incredibly grateful to work for a group as innovative and forward thinking as the Zislis Group. In 4 years I have had 4 different roles with the group, each one more empowering, developing and inspiring than the last.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Probably that I used to be a singer/songwriter and that it was such a huge part of my life before diving head first into the hospitality industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mb.shadehotel.com