Royal Sonesta New Orleans Hotel General Manager Al Groos retiring after 47 years
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A fixture in the New Orleans hotel industry is now saying it is time to retire to take time for himself, his family and to travel. Al Groos has been with the Royal Sonesta New Orleans Hotel for nearly 50 years and on Wednesday, he shared some of his favorite memories from his time there.
For 47 years, the 300 block of Bourbon Street has been Groos’ home away from home.
“Some fascinating, interesting experiences and people from all walks of life, and I’ve enjoyed that. A collection of stories, believe you me,” Groos said.
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Groos is retiring as general manager of the Royal Sonesta where he’s been for 47 years, 18 of those years he’s served as general manager. He started off working in the Food and Beverages Department and then worked his way to the hotel side. One of his crowning achievements he feels as general manager is Restaurant R’evolution inside the hotel.
“When I found Chef John Folse and convinced him that this was something he needed to do,” he said.
He went on to say, “Been a very successful restaurant. Many celebrities in the restaurant like Robert DeNiro, Kim Kardashian, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and one that left a lasting impression.”
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“Kathy Bates was doing “American Horror Story” and she was living here and coming in quite a bit. My son was an ‘American Horror Story’ nut, and I brought him in, and he was shivering. Kathy then asked him if he could take a picture with her. I couldn’t believe how genuine she was and how she took the interest and made it a special moment,” Groos said.
Another milestone for him year after year is Greasing of the Poles, an event that Al helped shape.
“When I took over we needed to make this more of a celebration, more of an experience for the city,” he said.
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Over the years, he’s proven that he has the talent to run a successful hotel.
“We’ve always tried to do what’s best for the city, Bourbon Street, the French Quarter. We never stop growing, climbing that mountain. I climbed that mountain for all those years. It’s time to have time to one’s self. You need to take advantage and shift chapters,” Groos said.
Groos’ Wednesday talk took place during his last week at the Royal Sonesta.
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