The Alida Promoted Connor Gillette to Director Role
The Savannah hotel elevated its former assistant director to oversee all food and beverage operations.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Cocktails
The Alida has appointed Connor Gillette as the new Director of Food and Beverage for the Savannah property. Gillette transitions into the role after serving as the assistant director since 2024.
Why it matters
The promotion follows a seven-year tenure during which Gillette managed significant capital projects and achieved a 93% department engagement score. This leadership change marks a long-term internal advancement for the hotel property.
Connor Gillette oversaw the repositioning of The Lost Square and the refresh of Rhett Bar. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Marketing and Management from the Savannah College of Art and Design.
The players
Connor Gillette
He is the newly appointed Director of Food and Beverage at The Alida who previously studied Fashion Marketing and Management at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
The Alida
This is a hotel located in Savannah that features dining venues such as The Lost Square and Rhett Bar.
Andaz Savannah
This is a hotel property in Savannah where Gillette previously worked as a bartender.
The details
Gillette joined The Alida in 2019 and climbed through several positions, including Bar Supervisor, Bar Manager, and Senior Bar Manager. He previously worked as a bartender at Andaz Savannah before his transition into management roles.
Timeline
Connor Gillette joined The Alida as a bartender in 2019.
Gillette was promoted to Senior Bar Manager in 2022.
Gillette was named Assistant Director of Food and Beverage in 2024.
The Alida announced the promotion to Director on September 24, 2026.
Culture Shift
The promotion aligns with the broader hospitality trend of prioritizing internal talent mobility and leadership development programs. This movement reflects a shift in luxury hotel management that values institutional knowledge over external recruitment cycles.
Guests at The Alida can expect continued management of the hotel's existing bar and dining programs. This promotion ensures consistent operational standards for patrons visiting the property in Savannah.
The takeaway
Internal promotions often lead to smoother transitions for established bar and dining concepts at luxury hotels. Local professionals can view this seven-year trajectory as an example of long-term career growth within the Savannah hospitality market.
Further reading
For more on local beverage industry trends, visit the Cocktails section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hotel Online.
