​John Sampson Neely

John, hailing from Detroit, is a distinguished Hospitality Professional and Activist. His prime area of interest is to establish an undeniably egalitarian atmosphere in the hospitality industry while leaving no stone unturned to bridge the education divide for people belonging to minority groups. In addition, he is invited to many a beverage conference held in different parts of the country. Hospitality entails honing in on the specific requirements of others and evaluating how to cater to their needs. In this regard, time is of utmost significance; it is indeed a paramount aspect of providing a service.

| Freelance beverage Journalist|2020 TOTC Spirited awards judge|2021-2024 TOTC midwest regional Committee|2022 50 Best bars north America and International|2022-2023 Liquor Award Judge|Advisory Council Another round Another rally|
Instagram@the_detroit_ liaison
www.divergentdetroit.com
See you... Space cowboy




### **Career Summary**

#### **Current Role**
**Director of Food and Beverage**  
**AC Hotels by Marriott**  
*Dec 2024 - Present*  
Location: United States  
- Oversee culinary operations and guest services.  
- Focus on menu development, banquets, and emergency situation management.  

#### **Recent Experience**
**Principal Consultant**  
**Divergent Hospitality**  
*Mar 2023 - Present*  
- Deliver consulting services with expertise in guest relations, menu development, and financial reporting.

**Restaurant Manager/AGM**  
**The Siren Hotel**  
*May 2024 - Sep 2024*  
Location: Detroit, MI  
- Managed operations related to catering, food handling, and kitchen management.

**Beverage Manager/GM**  
**The Cambria Detroit**  
*Oct 2023 - May 2024*  
Location: Detroit Metropolitan Area  
- Directed beverage operations, hiring, and strategic planning in the beverage industry.

**Bar Manager**  
**The Highlands Detroit**  
*Nov 2019 - Feb 2023*  
Location: Detroit, MI  
- Supervised bar operations and developed extensive skills in social media marketing and financial analysis.

### **Earlier Experience**
- **Interim Consultant** at McClain Camarota Hospitality, where acted as AGM and Beverage Director at Tideline.
- **Bartender/Head Bartender** roles in various establishments including Barter Detroit and Whiskey Parlor, focusing on guest relations and efficient service.
- Worked multiple positions from busser to waiter, building foundational skills in communication, speed, and customer satisfaction.

### **Skills**
- **Culinary & Beverage Expertise:** Menu development, food handling, culinary arts, wine education.
- **Management:** Team leadership, organizational management, vendor relations, budgeting, and financial reporting.
- **Customer Service:** Guest relations, catering, customer satisfaction initiatives.
- **Operation Excellence:** Problem solving, emergency situation management, service standards.