"My associations have spanned across virtually every type of hospitality environment, including nightclubs, hotels, casinos and restaurants. Along this path, I have come away with one undeniable fact when it comes to developing a lasting impact on the food and beverage scene: Success will only be achieved through the uniqueness and consistency of product, driven by a passionate team."
Sharing the-late night hours with the likes of Kid Rock, Nine Inch Nails, Snoop Dogg and Smash Mouth is just part of the plan for Ron Kerere. He's been with those performers and many more, managing the venues where they appear, making sure that his venue is THE place in town where the "in crowd" wants to be seen. Kerere is now working his magic as the general manager of two popular entertainment attractions in Music City, the world-famous Wildhorse Saloon and the General Jackson Showboat, both owned by Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
Located on historic Second Avenue in downtown Nashville, Tenn., the Wildhorse Saloon is a three-level historic warehouse turned into a 66,000 square-foot venue that has become the city's number-one dining and dancing destination. It is simultaneously a restaurant, bar, private event location and concert site and has one of the largest dance floors in town, attracting more than 1.5 million guests each year. Kerere is responsible for managing the venue that features an incredible menu, developed by Executive Chef Laurie Potts, showcasing the best in "Southern smokehouse cuisine," as well as concerts, private parties, signature drinks, five bars on three floors, line dance instructing and other featured entertainment.
At 300 feet long, the General Jackson Showboat is one of the city's most visible attractions. Offering year-round cruises that include first-class entertainment, delicious meals and views of Nashville not found anywhere else, thousands of visitors make the General Jackson a part of their Music City experience each year. Kerere will also oversee the operation of the Music City Queen, the "little sister" of the General Jackson Showboat. With room for 300 guests, the Queen is used for private charters, including wedding-related events and corporate parties, as well as tailgate cruises.
"I have been immersed in the hospitality industry, primarily in food and beverage, my entire life," Kerere said. "During my travels and along my career path, I have had the opportunity to learn a variety of management styles and techniques from industry visionaries, and the Wildhorse and the General Jackson will be the place to put it all together and make it sizzle."
Before joining the Wildhorse Saloon and General Jackson, Kerere was the general manager at the Gaylord Opryland's Fuse Nightclub, which opened July 2008. With a wealth of knowledge spanning positions as general manager of the Key Club at Morongo Casino Resort and Spa, as well as general manager of Silk Nightclub, Kerere has also worked as the assistant director of food and beverage at Morongo Resort, as beverage manager at Pechanga Resort & Casino and as assistant beverage manager at Sunset Station Hotel & Casino.
Kerere is a graduate of Radford University and holds a degree in finance, which he has used to manage multi-million dollar clubs. He was raised near Washington, D.C. in Fairfax, Virginia. During daylight hours, Kerere spends time with his wife and daughter, boating and knocking around little white golf balls.
