Real Operators,
GKR Hospitality
30+ years of US and International Hospitality Experience ~ Operational and Strategic.
Founder & Principal
30+ years of operational leadership in premium hospitality
GKR Hospitality Consulting was founded by Garrett Ronan based on 30+ years of concepting, designing, building and operating hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars and hospitality venues—often in situations where failure is not an option.
This includes responsibility for opening and operating, Zuma and Azumi restaurants across Six U.S. Cities. In 2023 , he went on to join and develop BLACE as COO, a unique start up tech-enabled meeting /event/ venue marketplace. Established in NYC and LA, he later oversaw their merger acquisition to form, Resident BLACE Holdings, where he serves as Senior Advisor. The COO who launched etc.venues in the US, opening their first 3 NYC venues, going on to transition the company through a successful M&A with Convene. The leader who made sure the first ever Equinox Hotel’s F&B operation matched the brand's premium positioning from day one.
We started this firm because we identified a gap in the market for a true “end to end” consultancy service that can deliver real value and real solutions for hospitality projects and businesses at any stage in their lifecycle.
Hospitality doesn't need more theory. It needs operators who've done the work—who know what it feels like when your opening is 90 days away and you must be ready, when your team must execute better, when you're busy but need to be more profitable.
The Experience That
Built This Firm
COO
BLACE
Tech-enabled meeting, event, venue marketplace, NYC & LA
US COO
etc.venues
Launched US market, opened 3 NYC venues, successful merger with Convene.
VP Hotel Operations & Development
Starr Restaurants
Oversaw F&B and events for opening of first ever Equinox Hotel, Hudson Yards.
VP Operations & Development
Azumi/Zuma
Directed multi-city U.S. expansion across 6 major markets for 3 Brands Zuma, Etaru & Inko Nito
Senior Leadership
Premium Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria, The Beverly Hilton, Boston Harbor Hotel, Principal Hotels UK, Adare Manor, Mövenpick
Education & Background
Honors Graduate of Shannon College of Hotel Management. Career started in Switzerland and UK before moving to New York in 1998.
Industry Involvement
Active member of HSMAI. Board member,
Active member of NYC Tourism + Conventions,
Board member: NYC Hospitality Alliance—supporting advocacy and policy work for the industry.
Certificates/Associations
- Cornell University PDP. Real Estate Evaluation, Rev Management
- Court Of Master Sommeliers.
- Member of The Waldorf=Astoria Distinguished Alumni.
- Finalist, 2025 HSMAI Frank W. Berkman “Hospitality Professional of the Year” Award
- Head of Alumni for SCHM in the US
What Makes Us Different
Full Life-Cycle Support
We can support you from early concept and business planning through feasibility, site sourcing, build-out, pre and post opening, and performance improvement. This keeps decisions aligned and reduces costly handoffs.
Cross-Functional Expertise in One Place
We bring coordinated support across the areas that most often slow projects down or impact margins:
Flexible Engagement Model
Choose à la carte support or an end-to-end engagement based on your stage, priorities, and internal resources and capacity.
Complete Service Capabilities
Garrett and his team have worked at all levels of the industry with some of the most recognized brands in the hospitality world allowing them to bring a unique experience and perspective to you and any business, project or situation.
