Hospitality Expert Witnesses
Hospitality expert witnesses and consultants listed here may be able to form expert opinions, draft expert witness reports, provide expert witness testimony at deposition and/or trial as or serve as consulting (non-testifying) experts on hospitality. The hospitality expert witness listings on this page are typically from fields/areas of expertise such as: Appraisal & Valuation, Architecture, Construction Defects, Dram Shop & Alcohol Services, Hotel & Restaurant, Premises Liability, Real Estate, Real Estate Appraiser, Security, and Travel & Tourism.
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Alan Someck
Keystone Hospitality Solutions
Hotel & Restaurant, Food
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Restaurant Operations, Dram Shop and Alcohol Service, Income and Profit Evaluations, Restaurant Training, Slip and Falls, Restaurant Wages and Tips, Food Safety, Customer and Employee Safety, Restaurant Harassment, Restaurant Business Damages, Restaurant Feasibility Studies
Alan has had over 42 years experience in the food industry as an owner, operator, consultant and teacher. For the past 10 years, he has been a full time instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education and an Adjunct Professor of Hospitality Management at the New York Institute of Technology. Alan has had 25 years of extensive management experience in fine dining and fast casual operations. Through his 2 companies, Keystone Hospitality Solutions and Food Startup Help, he has been a consultant to help develop a wide variety of restaurant concepts as well as projects to turn around struggling operations and a consultant to those looking to develop and bring food products to market.
He has also been awarded 7 grants from the Federal Government and New York State to work on sustainability issues within the hospitality industry. Alan has organized workshops, conferences and training programs for the New York State Restaurant Association and has been a speaker and author of hospi...
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Edward M Walls, MPA
Hotel Operations Specialist
Woodworth Core Group LLC
Hotel & Restaurant, Business Operations
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Safety, security, financials, hotel and resort marketing, sales, unions, service, reputation management, market share, pricing, Labor, Cost, Expense management, Renovation Guidance and Management, Hotel Opening /Transition Management, leadership and management assessment, Hotel Operations
Ed has over 40 years of experience with independent resorts and major brands. Among these are: Westin, Sheraton, Hilton, Marriott, Curio by Hilton, Preferred Hotels, Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn, Radisson and Doubletree.
Ed’s track record of outstanding strategic thinking and execution has earned him many community awards in the industry. He brings a balanced approach to all phases of hotel operations, with a focus on boosting brand and real estate value for owners. Expertise in all aspects of hotel and restaurant operations make him a highly effective witness.
Litigation Support and Expert Witness Experience Include:
Hotel Operations & Management
• Management and leadership Assessment
• Task Force Assistance
• Service and Quality Assurance
• Leadership and Operational Development
• Associate Engagement and Retention
• Facilities Management and Engineering
• Task Force Sourcing for Key Disciplines
• Labor, Cost, and Expense analysis and evaluation
. Greenbelt Six Sigma
. Safet...
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Gregory R. Riehle, JD
Resort, condo-hotel legal operations strd care
Riehle Hospitality Consulting - Legal and Operations
Hotel & Restaurant, Insurance
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Resort asset management, hotel operations, standard of care, condominium hotels, insurance, bad faith, business interruption, risk purchasing, discrimination, harassment, ADA, sale of resort, receivership, sports academies, boarding schools, hotel security, premises liability
Mr. Riehle’s decades of experience in resort and sports academy operations, hospitality law, and insurance, uniquely qualify him as an expert in a variety of hospitality subject matter areas. During his career as a chief executive, general manager, and attorney, he has successfully managed and developed mid-sized companies and organizations. Mr. Riehle’s diverse professional background thus provides him insight into resolving and advising on a wide range of complex disputes. Most recently, Mr. Riehle oversaw all aspects of the sale of a large complex destination resort.
Background.
For 30 years, Mr. Riehle was a leader of one of the largest family-owned and operated resorts, Saddlebrook Resort, as well as its affiliated sports training, academic programs, and property management company. He served in a variety of capacities, including GM, EVP, and General Counsel. During this time, Mr. Riehle was instrumental in the development of Resort Hotel Association, a $9B collective of 150 in...
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Salvatore Caccavale
Seasoned Hospitality Security Expert & Consultant.
Global Hospitality Security Solutions, LLC
Phoenix, Arizona
Hotel & Restaurant, Security
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Hotel Expert, Hotel Security Expert, Hotels, Motels, Lodging, Hospitality, Security, Safety, Hotel Security, Hotel Safety, Resort, Resort Security, Resort Safety, Hotel Crisis, Hotel Crime, Risk Assessment, Litigation Support, Trafficking
Starting his career at Hilton Hotels Corporation in 1983, Sal quickly rose through the ranks, taking on key roles as Director of Security at multiple Hilton-branded properties such as the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, and The Waldorf=Astoria in New York City. He was recognized for his leadership skills and ability to develop new methodologies within Hilton's Corporate Security Department as the Corporate Director of Safety and Security for the Americas. His extensive expertise forms the foundation of our commitment to delivering proven, high-level security solutions for our clients. Sal is the recipient of the Thomas G. Davis Loss Prevention Lifetime Award, and the beneficiary of Hilton Hotel’s 2001 Global Spirit of Pride Award. Sal has been recognized and honored by many levels of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies over the years for his assistance in executing their duties.
Sal is recognized for his 40+ years in the hospitality industry. A hotel security expert ...
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Yaron Goldman
Restaurant Operations and Hospitality Valuation
Ascension Advisory Consulting
Loveland, Colorado
Hotel & Restaurant, Real Estate
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Restaurant, Hospitality, Restaurant Valuation, Restaurant Operations, Damages, Restaurant Profits, Restaurant Franchising, Restaurant Labor, Foodcost, Turnaround, EBITDA, Restaurant Tips, HR, Foodcost, Beverage, Due Dilligence, Beverage, QSR, Kitchen, Interruption
Mr. Goldman is a restaurant and hospitality executive and expert witness with more than 20 years of experience in restaurant operations, restaurant and hospitality valuation, franchise systems, operational turnarounds, mergers and acquisitions, profitability analysis, and enterprise value creation. Mr. Goldman has served as a Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Interim President, and restaurant owner, and has been court certified as an expert witness in restaurant valuation and operations.
Mr. Goldman’s expert witness work includes matters involving restaurant operations, restaurant and hospitality valuation, lost profits, business interruption, operational performance, unit economics, franchise and licensee disputes, management practices, and hospitality industry standards. Mr. Goldman has been retained on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants and has sat for two depositions in connection with expert witness assignments.
Mr. Goldman’s opinions are grounded in pract...
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George Fischer
Expertise in Resorts, Condo Resorts and Hotels
Hospitality Details
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Hotel & Restaurant
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Resort, Condo Resort, Condo Hotel, Hotel Operations, Asset Management, Marketing, Hotel Operations, Condo HOA, Condo Management, Hospitality
A 40-year veteran of the Hotel/Resort industry, Fischer's hospitality career includes work in full-service resorts, condo resorts and hotels, to include positions at the world-famous Greenbrier and Broadmoor Hotels. Additionally, he has experience in multi-unit management of branded and non-branded assets. Fischer provides Expert Litigation Support to law firms that require specialized knowledge or expertise in Hotels and Resorts.
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Shawn F Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP
Premises Liability and Security Negligence
ICIP LLC
Elizabeth, Colorado
Premises Liability, Security
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Inadequate/Negligent Security, Premises Liability, Crime Foreseeability, Risk Management, Risk Assessment, Night Club, Vulnerability Assessment, Security Program, Incident Response, Health Care, Security Training, Security Assessments, Security Management, Video Surveillance, Security Audit, Retail, Hospitality, Cannabis
Shawn F Wurtsmith, MBA, PSP (Available Nationwide)
Primary Areas of Expertise: Premises Liability & Security Negligence
Credentials: Physical Security Professional (PSP), ASIS International (2011) | C-TPAT Certification, US Dept. of Transportation (2009) | CFATS Certified, US Dept. of Homeland Security (2008) | Private Pilot's License (1990)
Professional Affiliations: ASIS | IAPSC | SIA | IAHSS | SEAK Expert Witness Directory | Expert Institute (IQ)
Education: MBA – Business Administration, University of Phoenix | BA – Biology, University of Northern Colorado
About
Shawn Wurtsmith is an independent security consultant who helps legal teams win premises liability and security negligence cases. With deep expertise spanning healthcare, hospitality, retail, cannabis, and commercial settings, he provides the analysis, documentation, and testimony attorneys need at every stage of litigation.
What I Deliver for Your Case:
Case Assessment & Strategy — Rapid identification of security...
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Gary L Deel, PhD, JD, MS, MA
Hospitality Expert (Hotels, Restaurants, etc.)
FC Consulting & Expert Witness
Windermere, Florida
Hotel & Restaurant, Travel & Tourism
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Business, Hospitality, Travel, Tourism, Employment, Human Resources, Safety, Security, Resorts, Lodging, Airlines, Cruise Lines, Meetings, Conventions, Conferences
Dr. Gary Deel is a polymath with a strong record of career success in several industries including hospitality management, higher education, legal work, and professional consulting, and a mastery of knowledge in several other academic areas including business management, aerospace studies, psychology, sociology, and criminal justice.
Gary has spent more than 15 years as a professor at various institutions, including Valencia College, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Colorado Technical University (CTU), Kaplan University, the Art Institutes (Ai), the University of Central Florida (UCF), American Public University System (APUS), Colorado State University (CSU), and University of Florida (UFL), and Thomas University (TU). Gary has developed and taught courses in business, hospitality, leadership, ethics, law, professionalism, sales and marketing, engineering, maintenance, culinary arts, human resources, space studies, astronomy, and other academic areas. Gary currently serves ...
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Sanford Kaminsky, AIA, NCARB
Construction Defects Testifying Architect
m2e Consulting Engineers
Miami - Coral Gables, Florida
Architecture, Construction Defects
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Standard of Care, Failure Analysis, Construction Documents, Defect, Change Order, Building, Design, Condominium, Hospitality, Casino, gaming, Code Compliance, Contract Document, Field Management, Contract Administration, Commercial, Highrise, Retail, Hotel, Condo-Hotel
With over four decades of experience in architecture, construction, and litigation support, I am a Nationally Board-Certified Architect and a proud American Institute of Architects (AIA) member. My portfolio encompasses multi-billion-dollar projects worldwide—including retail, office, hotel, institutional, aerospace, and mixed-use developments—covering every facet of architectural practice, from design and construction to defect mitigation and resolution of class-action claims.
My expertise extends to Luxury Condominium litigation and Casino Gaming Hospitality, where I have provided specialized insights into the unique challenges associated with high-profile, complex developments. These include addressing construction defects, water intrusion, and operational compliance for large-scale residential and hospitality environments.
As an expert witness, I have supported plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes construction defect litigation. My services include field investigations, wa...
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Sean A Ahrens, M.A, CPP, CSC, FSyl, BSCP
Premise Liability, Security and Workplace Violence
Ahrens Security, LLC
Chicago, Illinois
Security, Premises Liability
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Premises liability, workplace violence, armed assailant "active shooter", training, operations, alarm, surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, locking, crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED), lighting, apartments, hospitality, parking, commercial, retail
Mr. Sean A. Ahrens is a well-known security/resilience leader who has been providing security consulting for over 22+ years. He has been instrumental in the assessment/analysis, design, implementation of security programs for a wide array of commercial, hospitality businesses and a myriad of other entities. He is well versed in best practices and has documented thousands of vulnerabilities to organizational assets.
He has deposition and case experience, and leverages visualizations and data to make powerful impressions regarding foreseeability.
He holds a number of certifications. He is a former Crisis Prevention Instructor, Board Certified in security management as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP), a Board Member with the International Association of Professional Security Consultants and holds their Certified Security Consultant (CSC) designation. He is also a Fellow with the Security Institute and former Building Certified Security Professional.
**He has conducted hu...
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Bryan S. Reynolds, AQB Certified USPAP Instructor
Real Estate Appraiser Expert Witness
Reynolds & Associates
Owensboro, Kentucky
Real Estate Appraiser, Appraisal & Valuation
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Industrial, Multi-Family, Nursing Facilities, Movie Theaters, Ad Valorem, Mall, Retail Centers, Automobile Dealerships, Storage Facilities, Airports, Restaurants, Professional Offices, Farms, Convenience Stores, Warehouses, Vacant Land, Rock Quarries, Hospitality, Residential, Divorce
Bryan S. Reynolds is the founder and owner of Reynolds & Associates. He has been in the industry for over 3 decades. He is a Certified General appraiser, the highest level of licensure enabling appraisals across diverse properties including residential and commercial. Beyond appraisal, Reynolds has served as an educator, imparting knowledge through qualifying and continuing education courses for years, and has been a part owner of an online education company, Appraiser eLearning, since its creation. His expertise extends to ethics and standards instruction as an AQB Certified USPAP Instructor, a distinction held by fewer than 500 professionals globally. Reynolds' multifaceted skill set also encompasses tax representation and appeals, honed through extensive involvement in public speaking and leadership roles, notably as the immediate past President of the National Association of Appraisers. Renowned for professionalism and legal acumen, Reynolds offers mentoring, consulting, and lit...
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Preston Rideout
Dram Shop Expert Preston Rideout
Preston Rideout
Greenwood, Mississippi
Dram Shop & Alcohol Services, Premises Liability
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Dram Shop, Dram Shop Expert, Dram Shop Expert Witness, Liquor Liability, Hospitality Expert, Nightclub Expert, Nightclub Expert Witness, Restaurant Expert, Restaurant Expert Witness, Bar Expert, Bar Expert Witness, Responsible Alcohol Service, Intoxication Expert, Bartender Training, Intoxication, Safe Harbor, Alcohol
Preston Rideout is a nightclub and bar consultant specializing in Dram Shop and Liquor Liability Expert Witness Testimony. He has 25 years of bar operations experience and 127 alcohol safety certifications. Preston is CEO of Rideout Hospitality and Founder of The Dram Shop Experts.
Upon graduating from the University of Mississippi, Preston relocated to Las Vegas to work for Pure Management Group. While in Las Vegas, Preston operated Coyote Ugly, Tangerine Nightclub, Pure Nightclub, PCD Lounge, LAX Nightclub, Noir Bar Audigier Nightclub, EVE Nightclub, Venus Pool Club, and Rehab Pool Party inside Treasure Island Casino, New York New York Casino, Caesars Palace, The Luxor, Aria Casino, and The Hard Rock Hotel. After Las Vegas, Preston launched Rideout Hospitality.
As CEO of Rideout Hospitality, Preston provides consulting to casinos, hotels, resorts, restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and hospitality management groups across the United States, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Clients retain P...
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Robert S. Griswold, CRE, CPM, RPA, ACoM, CCIM, PCAM, CCAM, GRI, ARM, BS, MBA, MSBA
Real estate/property management standard of care
Griswold Real Estate Management, Inc.
Reno, Nevada
Real Estate, Premises Liability
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Property management, broker, agent, residential, apartment, commercial, retail, hospitality, HOA, slip/trip/fall, maintenance, inspection, water intrusion, mold, premises liability, personal injury, rent control, habitability, bed bugs, roaches
Robert Griswold specializes in:
* Currently active as a day-to-day hands-on practitioner, consultant and expert in all aspects of real estate (except valuation). Serves as a consultant or expert witness in standards of care, standards of practice, best practices, and custom and practice for real estate transactions, property management/ownership and fiduciary duty issues for all types of residential and commercial real estate – management, operations, maintenance, health & safety, habitability, mold, water intrusion, personal injury, trip & fall, premises liability, property inspection, broker or agent failure to disclose; misrepresentation; negligence/fraud & association board duties, & real estate receivership.
* Certified Property Manager (CPM(®), Counselor of Real Estate (CRE®), Accredited Commercial Manager (ACoM®), Real Property Administrator (RPA®)
* Accredited Residential Manager (ARM®), Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM®) Professional Community Association Man...
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Skip Stearns
THE HOTEL EXPERTS, LLC
Stratham, New Hampshire
Hotel & Restaurant, Premises Liability
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Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Hospitality, Food, Franchising, Gaming, Gambling, Casino Hotels, Slip Trip & Fall, Restaurants, Alcohol Service, Hotel Operations, Hotel Premises Liability, Safety, Hotel Security, Hotels/Hospitality, Lodging, Management, Risk Management
Safety, Security, Premises Liability, Wrongful Death, Personal Injury, Slip, Trip & Fall, Scalding, Drowning, Other Personal Injuries, Franchise and Management Contract Disputes, Industry Operating Standards & Product Standards, Safety & Security Standards, Emergency Procedures, Integrity Standards, Human Resources, Employee Qualifications & Hiring Practices, Standards for Employee, Wrongful Termination, Training, Sales & Marketing Practices, Casino & Gaming Operations, Food & Beverage Service, Alcohol Service
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Gary Isenberg
40+ yr Hotel Operations & Real Estate Professional
Iron Mountain Hospitality Advisors
New York
Hotel & Restaurant, Real Estate
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Hospitality, Business Interruption, Bankruptcy, Renovation, Collective Bargaining, Hotel Operations, Value, Financial, Underwriting, Contracts, Mismanagement, Performance, Partnership, Optimization, Impact, Operations, Receiver, Personal Injury, Guest Service, safety
Mr. Isenberg’s extensive experience in hotel management, hotel operations, hotel finance, and hospitality ownership representation uniquely qualifies him as an expert in a wide range of hotel / hospitality-related operational and ownership matters. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held hospitality leadership roles such as President, Chief Operating Officer, Hotel General Manager, Director of Finance, and Internal Auditor for various diversified hospitality organizations. These roles have provided him with the expertise to address and resolve complex challenges, including hotel management performance, hotel business interruptions, hotel partnership disputes, employee relations, collective bargaining, territorial conflicts, operation performance and contract compliance.
Mr. Isenberg has provided litigation support, depositions, and testimony in mediation, arbitration, hearings, and trial settings. His experience covers cases involving ERISA violations, wrongful termination...
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Gary Isenberg
40+ yr Hotel Operations & Real Estate Professional
Iron Mountain Hospitality Advisors
Wilmington, North Carolina
Hotel & Restaurant, Real Estate
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Hospitality, Business Interruption, Bankruptcy, Renovation, Collective Bargaining, Hotel Operations, Value, Financial, Underwriting, Contracts, Mismanagement, Performance, Partnership, Optimization, Impact, Operations, Receiver, Personal Injury, Guest Service, safety
Mr. Isenberg’s extensive experience in hotel management, hotel operations, hotel finance, and hospitality ownership representation uniquely qualifies him as an expert in a wide range of hotel / hospitality-related operational and ownership matters. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held hospitality leadership roles such as President, Chief Operating Officer, Hotel General Manager, Director of Finance, and Internal Auditor for various diversified hospitality organizations. These roles have provided him with the expertise to address and resolve complex challenges, including hotel management performance, hotel business interruptions, hotel partnership disputes, employee relations, collective bargaining, territorial conflicts, operation performance and contract compliance.
Mr. Isenberg has provided litigation support, depositions, and testimony in mediation, arbitration, hearings, and trial settings. His experience covers cases involving ERISA violations, wrongful termination...
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Bryan S. Reynolds, AQB Certified USPAP Instructor
Real Estate Appraiser Expert Witness
Reynolds & Associates
Tennessee
Real Estate Appraiser, Appraisal & Valuation
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Industrial, Multi-Family, Nursing Facilities, Movie Theaters, Ad Valorem, Mall, Retail Centers, Automobile Dealerships, Storage Facilities, Airports, Restaurants, Professional Offices, Farms, Convenience Stores, Warehouses, Vacant Land, Rock Quarries, Hospitality, Residential, Divorce
Bryan S. Reynolds is the founder and owner of Reynolds & Associates. He has been in the industry for over 3 decades. He is a Certified General appraiser, the highest level of licensure enabling appraisals across diverse properties including residential and commercial. Beyond appraisal, Reynolds has served as an educator, imparting knowledge through qualifying and continuing education courses for years, and has been a part owner of an online education company, Appraiser eLearning, since its creation. His expertise extends to ethics and standards instruction as an AQB Certified USPAP Instructor, a distinction held by fewer than 500 professionals globally. Reynolds' multifaceted skill set also encompasses tax representation and appeals, honed through extensive involvement in public speaking and leadership roles, notably as the immediate past President of the National Association of Appraisers. Renowned for professionalism and legal acumen, Reynolds offers mentoring, consulting, and lit...
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Preston Rideout
Dram Shop Expert Preston Rideout
Preston Rideout
Texas
Dram Shop & Alcohol Services, Premises Liability
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Dram Shop, Dram Shop Expert, Dram Shop Expert Witness, Liquor Liability, Hospitality Expert, Nightclub Expert, Nightclub Expert Witness, Restaurant Expert, Restaurant Expert Witness, Bar Expert, Bar Expert Witness, Responsible Alcohol Service, Intoxication Expert, Bartender Training, Intoxication, Safe Harbor, Alcohol
Preston Rideout is a nightclub and bar consultant specializing in Dram Shop and Liquor Liability Expert Witness Testimony. He has 25 years of bar operations experience and 127 alcohol safety certifications. Preston is CEO of Rideout Hospitality and Founder of The Dram Shop Experts.
Upon graduating from the University of Mississippi, Preston relocated to Las Vegas to work for Pure Management Group. While in Las Vegas, Preston operated Coyote Ugly, Tangerine Nightclub, Pure Nightclub, PCD Lounge, LAX Nightclub, Noir Bar Audigier Nightclub, EVE Nightclub, Venus Pool Club, and Rehab Pool Party inside Treasure Island Casino, New York New York Casino, Caesars Palace, The Luxor, Aria Casino, and The Hard Rock Hotel. After Las Vegas, Preston launched Rideout Hospitality.
As CEO of Rideout Hospitality, Preston provides consulting to casinos, hotels, resorts, restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and hospitality management groups across the United States, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Clients retain P...