Keven Gilbert
AMERICUS — Brian Ethridge was astonished when he first stepped into to the Windsor hotel at a young age.
“My first memory of the Windsor was a 50th wedding anniversary celebration for my great aunt and uncle. It was like stepping back in time. I was amazed.”
Now, 18 years later, Ethridge holds the same enthusiasm for the Victorian masterpiece. Only now, he is able to work behind the scenes as director of food and beverage for the hotel, and enjoys taking part in showing off the Windsor’s beauty.
As the head of food and beverage, Ethridge oversees all aspects of Amelia’s Restaurant and Floyd’s Pub.
“My day-to-day duties are to simply to increase our banquet totals, and bring the restaurant back to life,” says Ethridge.
Since coming aboard in early October, he was quickly tested with the holiday onslaught.
“It has been challenging at times, but I think we have done a good job. I am very proud of my staff,” Ethridge said. “The hotel is doing well and so far I have not heard any complaints. We had a great New Year’s Eve with a buffet, a cash bar downstairs, a DJ and a packed bar. Who doesn’t love Floyd’s? There was even a full moon — a blue moon, in fact. In the back of my mind, I thought something crazy might happen, but everything went smoothly.”
After a successful holiday season, Ethridge is optimistic about the new year. Being faced slowing business because of the slacking economy, he knows there are challenges to come.
“Now it’s going to slow down a little, and I’m going to have to get to work,” Ethridge said.
Ethridge and the Windsor are expecting some big changes in 2010 with a new menu, new ideas and some renovations.
After working for six years at The Retreat at Lake Blackshear before coming to the Windsor, Ethridge has settled on a philosophy that suits his line of work: “I try to make people happy,” he said.
“The people, Ethridge explains “are my favorite part of the job. I grew up in Oglethorpe and I have always loved Americus and I have never really thought about leaving. The people here are generally great people.”
Ethridge even personifies the Windsor as “a beautiful lady” when describing its grandeur.
For more information about the Windsor Hotel go to www.windsor-americus.com.
