Ananas Consulting

Reza Esmaili

Ananas Consulting, Founder

United States Bartender’s Guild, National Council of Chapters, Western Regional Chair 2021

 

Reza really likes to eat and drink, but loves to serve and entertain the most.
 

Amidst 31 years in the San Francisco hospitality industry, Reza has held many positions including Bar Director, General Manager and Operating Partner. In 1999, he managed one of The City’s first artisanal cocktail programs at Gordon’s House of Fine Eats. His talents have launched many notable endeavors and garnered accolades, including a 2009 SF Chronicle “Bar Stars” feature. In 2017, Imbibe Magazine highlighted his commitment to mindful hospitality and its intersection with his Iranian roots.
 

Launched in 2013, Ananas Consulting has serviced clients from California to Florida. Amongst dozens of projects, highlights include the historic live music venue Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley, W Hotel San Francisco and La Mar by Gaston Acurio at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Miami. Reza has advised independently owned establishments and luxury hotel properties; improving menus, operations and the overall culture of hospitality within these organizations. Since 2019, his efforts were integral to the launch of three restaurants in the Bay Area. Concurrent to consultant projects, Reza proudly represented Casa Noble Tequila for nearly 5 years on the brand ambassador team. In addition to educational and sales responsibilities, he contributed to Constellation Brands’ national activations and programs until March 2020.
 

For 18 years, Reza has been a devoted member of the United States Bartender’s Guild, an esteemed national trade organization. After two years as President of the NorCal Chapter, he was elected to three consecutive terms as Western Regional VP on the National Board of Directors. He currently serves as the Western Chair of the National Council of Chapters through 2021.
 

Reza has experience judging national cocktail competitions for global programs such as Diageo World Class, Bacardi Legacy and Sapphire MIB. He has international experience as competitor, delegate and judge in two IBA Pan American Cocktail Competitions. Reza has represented the USBG internationally at conferences from Bogota to Bordeaux. In 2019, the Chengdu Bartender’s Association hosted him as the sole US judge of a national cocktail competition in Shanghai, China.
 

“Ananas” is the Persian term for pineapple, the international symbol of hospitality.
Substance, Service and Style are the foundational elements of every Ananas Consulting endeavor.
Whether launching a new business, presenting an informative seminar or as “Master of Ceremonies,” you will find all three ingredients expertly mixed.
 

Reza lives in Pacific Heights, visits his mom weekly and loves the color pink.