Contemporary New Food and Beverage Experiences Being Created at Gaylord Opryland
$30 million of improvements well underway.
Nashville, Tenn.—( May 1, 2007 ) Gaylord Opryland® Resort and Convention Center is undergoing a $30 million food and beverage transformation as part of Gaylord Hotels’ latest major investment in the hotel brand’s landmark facility. The enhancements and the expansion of the resort’s dining and entertainment outlets include preserving the best of the classic establishments, and adding new ones that will showcase the world-class talents of the award-winning Gaylord Opryland culinary teams combined with the property’s more contemporary attitude.On the heels of a $45 million room renovation that is transforming thousands of guestrooms and suites from displays of the Deep South to comfortable, modern showrooms, the resort is now in the first phases of the major food and beverage makeover. Water’s Edge Marketplace is being created in the Delta Atrium and the old food court there is gone, as the resort’s new vision evolves to create more modern, upbeat settings combined with the unforgettable tastes, entertainment and fine service for which Gaylord Opryland is widely known.
“Gaylord Opryland’s commitment to world-class amenities and a desire to bring passion into all that we do have spurred the decision to revolutionize many of our dining venues and create new ones, combining fun, entertainment and creative ingenuity with our already high culinary standards,” said Arthur Keith, senior vice president and general manager of Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. “We will be on the cutting-edge, providing outstanding selections for our guests, leading to experiences they won’t find anywhere else.”
According to Keith, four new “upscale causal” dining options are being constructed along with an entertainment complex that will include what he believes will become the hottest nightclub in Nashville. “It’s is time for a change at Gaylord Opryland. We have been ranked as one of the top five convention resorts in the world for five years in a row. We have deconstructed and then revolutionized the banquet culinary process. Now we are focused on refreshing the classic dining establishments that we are keeping, and energizing our resort by evolving to the next level with our new rooms, restaurants and entertainment.”
Guests at Water’s Edge Marketplace will experience enticing global flavors from a variety of action stations in the adventurous setting of an international marketplace. The menu will change daily and will include European and South American influences in a style that deconstructs the traditional buffet atmosphere. It will be conveniently located near the bustling convention center, along the indoor Delta River, where the garden vista is noteworthy from any angle. Water’s Edge Marketplace will open this fall.
Also on the horizon: innovative Mexican fare presented in contemporary style at the Mexican sports cantina which is under development. It will be the perfect place for a meal or a quick snack when fun and delicious are your objectives. Tequila lovers will enjoy sampling the cantina’s rare and upscale brands on our extensive list. The cantina will open this fall.
Guests at the resort will be able to pick the layers of taste to be stacked on top of juicy, one-of-a-kind burgers and chicken sandwiches at Stax. It will be a stylish new, fun and friendly atmosphere for families, or folks looking for a casual but tasty dining hot spot after meetings. Stax will open this fall.
And Paisano’s will inspire diners to close their eyes, take a bite, and take off for a quick trip to Tuscany. When they open their eyes they’ll remember that they are really savoring the best pizza outside the Big Apple, or Chicago, right inside Gaylord Opryland. Fresh, tangy Tuscan-style pizza, Fettuccini Alfredo or crisp salads are among the options at this new Italian eatery. Paisano’s will open this fall.
Gaylord Opryland’s three time-honored restaurants, Old Hickory Steakhouse, Ristorante Volare and Cascades Seafood Restaurant will remain, but with enhancements. These include internationally trained, award-winning culinary teams to lead the transitions; a commitment to the use of more local fresh ingredients and organic produce; more interactive dining choices; new interior food preparation facilities, and frequently updated global cheese and international wine offerings. Cascades will also feature live entertainment, the likes of which has never been seen before in Nashville, beginning May 4, 2007, called HydroponiX.
The resort is reinventing its entertainment operations, celebrating the heritage of Music City with more live musical performances than ever before. A major part of the enhancement initiative includes the creation of an interior entertainment complex featuring an ultra-sleek nightclub designed by one of the country’s most successful Las Vegas club innovators. Live music of all genres will be available at more than 6 different locations within the resort.
“Gaylord Opryland is reinventing itself to be one of the top trendsetters in the food and beverage industry. We will create an experience without rival in the world,” stated Wolfgang Ebenbichler, vice president of food and beverage, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.
Gaylord Opryland executives anticipate that the food and beverage renovations will be complete by the end of 2008.
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ABOUT GAYLORD OPRYLAND NASHVILLE
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center – the largest non-gaming in-hotel facility in the continental United States – is known for providing superior products and services to the meetings and convention industry. Winner of numerous prestigious awards including the coveted Gold Key Elite Award in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and Gold Platter Elite in 2004, 2005 and 2006, Gaylord Opryland Nashville is the flagship property of the Gaylord Hotels brand owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a leading hospitality and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit www.gaylordentertainment.com or www.gaylordopryland.com.
Media Contacts:
Ann Dee McClane amcclane@gaylordhotels.com 615.458.2896
Kim Keelor kkeelor@gaylordhotels.com 615.458-2877