Industry News for January 11, 2025Industry News for January 11, 2025

Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa has named Michael Nahat as its new resort director of food and beverage. Nahat, an accomplished food and beverage leader with a track record of driving revenue growth and operational excellence in luxury hotel and resort settings, comes to the property from Omni Tucson National Resort, where he held the same position. He has been with Omni Hotels & Resorts for more than six years. 

As resort director of food and beverage at Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, Nahat will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the food and beverage operations across the 660-acre campus. This includes managing the 7 dine-and-drink venues across the resort, including Trick Rider, The Apron, The Lookout Lounge & Bar, Toast & Tee Coffee Collective, Green Catus Café, The Leisure and Bluestem Pool Bars, as well as banquets and catering services and in-room dining.  

Before working at the Omni Tucson National Resort, Nahat, a Texas native who grew up in Southlake and attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, served as assistant director of food and beverage at Omni La Mansion Del Rio and Mokara Hotel and Spa in San Antonio. There, he was instrumental in achieving and maintaining the AAA 4-Diamond rating for La Mansion Del Rio, reflecting a commitment to exceptional service and culinary offerings. Nahat also has worked for Gaylord resorts in Orlando and Nashville, as well as a stint with Hilton in Chicago. 

GROW: A Catering Educational Foundation has announced the destinations for the foundation’s 2025 Culinary Learning Journeys. They are Argentina, Montreal + Quebec City and Japan. 

Attended by culinary and event professionals, and curated by GROW’s Board of Trustees, the journeys provide cultural and culinary experiences designed to enhance the attendees’ understanding of the diverse cuisine of the regions, deepen their own menus at home, and facilitate business connections and friendships. 

Most importantly, revenue from the Culinary Learning Journeys supports the foundation’s educational objections and its Scholarship and Grants Programs.  

2025 Culinary Learning Journeys Destinations and Dates 

Information about each Culinary Learning Journey is available at www.growcatering.org. Because each trip has limited space site visitors can be the first to receive information by signing up to get on the “interest list” for one, or all the journeys.  

Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, is proud to continue its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by supporting small minority-owned local businesses as part of a complimentary membership program. 

The DEI Business Fellowship program supports local businesses owned by people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, veterans and persons with disabilities. Fellows receive a complimentary, one-year DDC membership offering marketing support, networking opportunities, training and access to new business channels. DDC will also collaborate with Miles Partnership on destination optimization using digital tools and platforms.  The 2025 DEI Fellows are: 

DDC’s mission and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion also includes the American Experience Foundation (AEF), its 501c-3 nonprofit focused on providing scholarships and career experience to local students. In 2024, AEF surpassed $170,000 awarded in scholarships over the past nine years. The scholarships support students on their journeys in hospitality, tourism and professional careers through higher education.  

DDC is also uniquely positioned to share with visitors Washington, DC’s history and experiences connected with racial and social equity. The “DEI District” launched in 2021 and provides curated content focused on how DC can be experienced through a DEI lens. The pillars include visit, engage, learn and meet while connecting to content related to leisure, meetings and education audiences to help promote the unique history and experiences in DC. 

DDC’s DEIBF program is highlighted in a white paper titled Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through Destination DC’s DEI Business Fellowship. The program was recognized with the Global Destination Sustainability Movement Innovation Award for exemplifying how targeted DEI initiatives can drive economic empowerment and set industry standards. 
As one of the most inclusive and accessible cities in the world, Washington, DC prioritizes initiatives to eliminate barriers and meet the needs of all visitors. DDC provides accessibility resources at washington.org. 

Applications for the 2026 DEI Fellowship cohort will open in the fall.