Chris Adams
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Managing Partner, Ellis Adams Group
While Chris Adams can currently be found jetting around the world creating acclaimed bar programs for everyone from Steve Wynn to Marriott, he did not always know his career would flourish in the hospitality industry. Born in Florida but splitting time in California, Adams grew up in the entertainment industry. It was a summer job, when he found a part-time position at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes as a pool attendant and was introduced to the hospitality industry for the first time. Chris was able to climb the ladder in a short amount of time and walked away from the entertainment industry all together to pursue this new found passion. After leaving The Ritz-Carlton, he went on to open concepts in downtown Orlando, including assisting with the development of the revitalization of Church Street Station. From there, Chris was asked to support the opening of the Italian steakhouse Davio’s in Atlanta before being tapped to open the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. After six months in Vegas, he moved back to Los Angeles and founded Ellis Adams Group. EAG is now an international consulting firm that works in the areas of luxury branding for the hospitality, entertainment, and fashion/art industries. The group focuses on all aspects of business, including building brands, concept and design development, training and management, revenue generation and profit margin increase, and social media and digital presence. EAG’s current project list is dynamic and constantly growing. With over 100 active projects underway, some standouts include the partnership with ArcCardinal and its launch of Arcoroc by Chris Adams, Mixology by Forbes Industries with Chris Adams, YNK, an intimate beverage experience tucked inside the Irvine Marriott, and Flora, a new rooftop concept in El Segundo, CA. Additionally, Chris plays a key role in the continued evolution of Marriott’s beverage program, by assisting in developing, teaching the trainings, opening of new hotels, and renovation projects.