It is March, and St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner. In both Ireland and the U.S., home of many of Irish heritage, it is a cherished holiday. And in both, we have Guinness destinations, proprietor of the iconic Stout and more than 260 years of brewing experience.
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John Gilbert, Director of Restaurant Hospitality, Sports+Entertainment
Some of my earliest memories of my grandparents are visiting their French restaurant Le Dome in Ft. Lauderdale in the late 1980s. I was mesmerized when my grandmother whisked us through the kitchen during dinner service. This is where I first encountered chefs wielding very large knives, big red lobsters being dropped into pots, and fettuccini alfredo (mac and cheese on steroids to a 5-year-old). Hooked from then on, my passion and work have all centered around food and hospitality.
Before and after attending Johnson & Wales, I worked for many restaurant and hotel groups including the Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Michael Mina Group, Fabio Trabocchi, and BLT restaurants. I live outside of Washington DC with my wife (a chef) and daughter, and together as a family we all enjoy all things food and drink. I am truly grateful to work in a field that is fulfilling and aligns with my interests. I currently oversee the Guinness breweries in the US, along with other breweries and restaurants for the Sports and Entertainment division of Aramark.
Donna Doyle, Director of Operations, Guinness Storehouse, Dublin
There was never any doubt that my career would be in hospitality! Even as a child it was all about hosting tea parties – and my list for Santa Claus always included a new kitchen! My greatest pleasure is making sure people enjoy a great experience. My first role was at Dublin Zoo where, even though I was young and smaller than most, I was known as Mammy Bear—always looking after people. On the rare occasions there's a night ou,t it must involve food & the few and far between dinner parties I host (3 kids, 2 dogs & a hubby never give me much free time) I love being hostess with the mostest!
Now as experienced and innovative Commercial Hospitality Leader with over 20 years of proven success in driving business growth, optimizing operations, and building strong, recognizable brands is more my style. I create a culture of excellence that fuels both operational and financial success. I have held key leadership roles, including Director of Operations, Hospitality Commercial Manager, and General Manager, where I have led teams to exceed revenue targets, enhance customer experiences, and drive sustained profitability. With a strong focus on brand development, commercial strategy, and operational excellence, I am passionate about identifying opportunities, streamlining efficiencies, and implementing forward-thinking solutions that elevate business's
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