Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Adams.
Chris, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I discovered my passion for the hospitality industry while working at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.
After completing the first levels of the sommelier certification program, I met master bartender and beverage consultant Rick Fogel, who introduced me to the world of high end bartending. I then went on to open concepts in downtown Orlando, including Church Street Station. Two years after leaving, I was recruited back to The Ritz-Carlton to take part in opening multiple new locations. From there, I helped open the acclaimed Italian steakhouse Davio’s in Atlanta before opening the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. After six months, I moved to Los Angeles and founded Ellis Adams Group.
The group focuses on all aspects of businesses, including building brands, concept and design development, training, management, revenue generation, and profit margin increases. In 2016, we opened YNK inside the Irvine Marriott. Additionally, I have been heavily involved in the continued evolution of Marriott’s beverage program, by assisting in writing and teaching the trainings.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not! This is a tough industry to make it in. Even if things seem perfect, they never are.
Getting your foot in the door with a Fortune 500 company to be a partner is never easy. We really had to have a solid plan in place to move our partnership with Marriott forward. Once the partnership was established, it was really important to make sure everyone involved had a clear understanding of what the plans and goals for YNK were.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about YNK – what should we know?
Ellis Adams Group focuses on all aspects of businesses, including building brands, concept and design development, training, management, revenue generation, and profit margin increases. We own and operate YNK, a cocktail bar nestled inside the Irvine Marriott featuring a rotating menu inspired by regions around the world. Our menu currently reflects Italy and is about to shift to a new destination. In the past, we have transformed the space into Bourbon Street, Italy, Spain, and a winter wonderland inspired by Europe.
I am really proud of the fact that from the beginning, we really stuck to our plan and did not waiver. In the beginning, there was not a line waiting to get in and there were doubters, but we stuck to the plan we put in place, believed in what we were doing, and didn’t veer off course. Now a year later, after all the accolades we have received, the constant flow of guests, and the lines to get in truly give validation to the vision we had for this space. YNK was originally a room that wasn’t being utilized by the hotel, with no running water or drains. The fact that we were recently up for best bar in Orange County is just mind blowing…
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
So many individuals have played a role in this project. From our team that put in so much effort and energy to get the vision launched to the key players within Marriott that believed in what we were doing and stood behind us, it was and always will be a team effort. The Marriott family that has embraced us could not be better partners. We are so fortunate to have been given this opportunity with this incredible company. And last but not least, we cannot speak about the success we have had at YNK without specifically mentioning Ravin Buzzell. He moved across the country to open a concept that was literally a POC (Proof of Concept) with no guarantee it would work. He has taken our vision and executed it beautifully. He is a rock star and we are very lucky to have him as part of the team.
Contact Info:
- Address: 18000 Von Karman Ave.,
Irvine, CA 92612 - Website: https://www.ynk-irvine.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellisadamsgroup/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ynk-you-never-know-irvine
Image Credit:
White Oak Communications
YNK
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