Building stronger relationships through service is something that Larry has always valued, so it’s no surprise that he felt a calling to hospitality. “I believe that service can take on different forms and I most enjoy creating experiences through unique service,” Larry explains.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Larry graduated with a Communication degree from Loyola University in Chicago. After finishing his undergrad and “a long summer” in Detroit, he decided against law school to pursue hospitality instead. He packed his bags and landed in Portland, OR graduating in Hospitality Management from Le Cordon Bleu. After completing an externship at the Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier, Larry found his way back to Chicago and enjoyed a successful tenure with Kimpton Hotels, moving his way up and transferring with the company to six different properties (Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Seattle and Aspen). His greatest professional accomplishments to date was opening the Palomar Chicago and becoming a hotel GM before age 33.
After some time in Aspen as a restaurant manager, he wanted to get back to the city. He narrowed his choices down to Chicago and Seattle, and lucky for us, Seattle won. He joined our team in September 2016 as a captain at El Gaucho Seattle, and in January 2018 was offered the General Manager position at Miller’s Guild.
“I’m excited to have my own store and know that the day-to-day operation is a reflection of the time, energy and coaching I invest into the place and the people,” Larry explains. “I am also very excited to work with Kirin (Chef de Cuisine at Miller’s Guild). He is very creative, a great chef, and it will be fun to see where we can take Miller’s Guild together.”
Larry also loves working with the rest of the team at Miller’s Guild. “We are an eclectic bunch who can create eclectic experiences,” he explains.
Larry is known for his curiosity and openness, integrity, loyalty and being articulate. He lives with his girlfriend, Jennifer, and their puppy Bella Rae. He loves dogs except for Whippets, Afghans and Greyhounds because “they just seem creepy to me,” he admits. A little known fact is he fears deer and squirrels, ever since his grandmother told him that squirrels will attack if you get too close because they think you are chasing their tails.
In his free time, Larry loves to play golf, basketball and soccer. He also enjoys chicken verde enchiladas, lasagna, a gin & tonic, and Jimi Hendrix, who penned his favorite quote, “Knowledge speaks, wisdom listens” and song, “Crosstown Traffic.”
Make your way downtown to meet Larry and his team at Miller’s Guild!
