Joseph Albanese, General Manager of Beverage: Clubs, Restaurants and Special Events

Gaylord Opryland® Resort & Convention Center

A typical work day for a manager at many resorts includes tasks like forecasting, budgeting and scheduling. Those things may apply here, but also for Joseph Albanese, a work day is a fusion of creating, mixing, pouring, shaking and stirring…beverages, that is.

Albanese is the General Manager of Beverage at Gaylord Opryland® Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. He aims not only to stay on top of trends in the beverage world, but to set the trends, positioning the resort and its outlets as the most cutting-edge in the industry with the top-shelf brands, the creation of “experience cocktails” and innovative wine lists. Currently under his realm of authority are six outlets in the resort: Findley’s Irish Pub, Rusty’s Sports Bar & Grill, the Cascades Terrace Lounge, Jack Daniel’s Saloon, the Relâche Pool Bar and Fuse, Nashville’s first Vegas-style nightclub. Albanese also creates unforgettable drinks for the resort’s special events.

The ingenious cocktail menu at Fuse was designed by Albanese. This nightclub’s debut in June 2008 has ignited Music City’s nightlife and exemplifies the resort’s edgier, cooler attitude. A key feature inside Fuse is an incredible misting vodka bar that features 60 high-end varieties and flavors of vodka, the club’s marquee drink, all hand-selected by Albanese. Fuse is the cornerstone of Gaylord Opryland’s new entertainment hub, The District, located in the Magnolia section. The District is a cosmopolitan area with live music, upscale shopping and new restaurants, including an upcoming, expanded sports bar.

Albanese says he was inspired by “Master Mixologist” Tony Abou-Ganim, a key reason why he got into the beverage industry. “Tony has an incredible passion and knowledge about the beverage industry. He has dedicated his career toward training and inspiring others to find that passion, and he gets to travel the world,” Albanese said. It is through Albanese’s vision and expertise that Gaylord Opryland’s guests feel as if they are in another part of the world, tasting flavors and combinations not easily found elsewhere.

Before joining Gaylord Opryland, Albanese was the director of beverage at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas. He has also held similar positions at the Mirage Resort and Casino, Bellagio Resort and Casino and the New York, New York Hotel and Casino.

Some of the accolades of Albanese’s career include being a Court of Master Sommeliers from the Introductory Sommelier Course and a member of the Guild of Sommelier. He and his wife, Jennie, have two daughters, Bella Marie and Sophia Marie. Outside of work, Albanese enjoys spending time with his family and enjoying the many outdoor recreational activities Middle Tennessee has to offer.