The team at Kimpton Gray Hotel, a luxury Chicago Loop hotel located in one of the city’s most historic structures, announced two new additions to the food and beverage leadership team: Guillermo Bravo as the hotel’s Beverage Director and Matthew Colello as Lead Bartender for Vol. 39.
“We’re excited to welcome Guillermo and Matt to The Gray,” says Nabil Moubayed, General Manager. “Both gentlemen are an ideal fit for our hotel because of their backgrounds, out-of-the-box approach, and determination to keep the hotel and its food and beverage venues on the map as Chicago Loop favorites.”
Bravo began his career in hospitality as a lead bartender at The NoMad Hotel, where he trained staff for the award-winning NoMad Bar in New York and Giannini Bar in Los Angeles. In 2019 he joined the team at Proof & Company, where he conceptualized and implemented full-fledged bar concepts for high-end clients including 5-star hotels and award-winning restaurant groups in China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Five of his previous client projects currently hold spots on the World’s Best Bars list. In his new role as the hotel’s Beverage Director, he will oversee Vol. 39, Boleo, all banquet, catering and private dining events and unique beverage amenities for guests.
“I’m excited to continue my hospitality and beverage career here at The Gray and in an environment where I can lead and be creative while inspiring my team,” says Guillermo Bravo. “Traveling and creating new cocktails and dishes are passions of mine, and I look forward to working closely with the team to develop new programs, partnerships, experiences and, of course, a cocktail program that stands out from the rest of Chicago and keeps people coming back for more.”
Before joining Kimpton Gray Hotel, Colello created bespoke cocktails at well-known Chicago restaurants and bars including RPM Steak, Spiaggia, The Dawson, and Gilt Bar. Over the last six years, he helped teams develop tasting menu pairings, created memorable cocktails with unique infusions and became a certified sommelier. In his new role as Lead Bartender of Vol. 39, he will work closely with Bravo to continue the legacy of the luxe lounge.
“I’ve always been interested in hospitality, hosting, and alcohol,” says Matthew Colello. “For me, creating a cocktail feels like magic from how it starts as simple ingredients and finishes as a product I’m lucky enough to serve. I’m excited to join the team here at The Gray, where I’ll support and stimulate growth while helping to create an environment where each person has a sense of ownership and pride when something they made lands on the menu.”
The Kimpton Gray Hotel, located in the historic New York Life Insurance Building, takes its name from the Georgia Gray marble that has lent the structure a sense of sophistication for well over a century. The hotel is home to Boleo, the rooftop restaurant and lounge perched high above the city on the 15th floor that offers innovative Latin-influenced cocktails, enticing food, vibrant music, and a sleek-yet-lush design that evokes the dynamic energy of South America and Vol. 39, an elevated venue that features a selection of bespoke cocktails, known and newly discovered beer and wines, and an extensive collection of spirits from every part of the world.
