50 Cent’s Champagne, Craft Lodging, A New AI Tool, And Searching For Our First Boutique Hotel

This month checkout my interview with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, the world of craft lodging and unique hotels, my favorite new AI Tool and our search for our first Boutique Hotel management agreement for Tangy Management.

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What I'm Sipping - Le Chemin du Roi: A Conversation with Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson

Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, a name that resonates not just in the music industry but also in the world of business. While Curtis is known for his undeniable influence in entertainment and his entrepreneurial acumen, this time our discussion centered on something a bit more effervescent—his luxury champagne brand, Le Chemin du Roi. I was eager to uncover the story behind this venture and what truly sets this champagne apart in a crowded market.

When asked about his inspiration for launching Le Chemin du Roi, Curtis revealed, "I associate Champagne with victory and celebration, and it was one of the categories I wanted to be connected to at the highest level. Our growers and winemakers exceed the standards of most producers and compete with the highest quality of champagnes. I knew I had to be a part of that." His words reflect a deep connection not just to the celebratory nature of champagne, but to the excellence and craftsmanship that go into creating a truly remarkable bottle.

It's easy to assume that a champagne associated with Curtis would be all about the party, but he has ensured that Le Chemin du Roi is synonymous with quality and sophistication. "I personally spent time with our growers and winemaking team in France to be certain they were the right fit for my brand," Curtis explained, emphasizing the importance of his hands-on approach. "Attention to detail is very important to me. Each of our bottles is aged in cellar between 4-10 years before disgorgement, and up to an additional 13 years after. Because of this long ageing, conditions must be kept perfect. The cellarmaster continually adjusts and moves bottles, so ageing is always at its peak."

This commitment to excellence is evident in every bottle, showcasing the dedication and precision that define Le Chemin du Roi. Curtis's involvement in the process ensures that each sip embodies the quality and luxury that discerning champagne enthusiasts expect.

When I asked Curtis about the message he wants to share with the world through Le Chemin du Roi, he thoughtfully responded, "Life is a celebration and to be enjoyed. We associate change with these pivotal moments in time. So, as you continue to create memories of celebratory occasions, always cheers with Le Chemin du Roi!"

Le Chemin du Roi stands as more than just a champagne for parties—it's a symbol of celebration, crafted with the highest standards in mind. Curtis Jackson's vision for this brand is clear: to offer a champagne that elevates every moment, whether you're celebrating a major milestone or simply toasting to life's everyday victories.

With Le Chemin du Roi, you're not just raising a glass, you're partaking in a tradition of excellence that reflects the essence of celebration itself.

Trending in Hospitality - Major Brands Are Buying Up Unique Hotel Concepts

A recent trend in the hospitality industry is seeing major hotel brands acquire unique, character driven hotel groups. Hilton has purchased Graduate Hotels and NoMad Hotels, while Hyatt has added The Standard Hotels to its portfolio. These acquisitions are part of a broader strategy where established hotel giants seek to expand by acquiring brands that already have a strong identity and a loyal following.

Creating a brand with its own culture, character, and dedicated customer base is no easy feat. Brands like Graduate, NoMad, and The Standard started as independent ventures with distinct visions, catering to niche markets and delivering experiences that resonated deeply with their guests. They didn’t just offer a place to stay—they built communities and cultivated loyalty through unique design, personalized service, and memorable experiences.

The fact that major hotel brands like Hilton and Hyatt are purchasing these smaller, unique brands shows that there’s immense value in standing out and being different. It’s not just about having another property in the portfolio; it’s about acquiring the spirit, the story, and the special touch that these brands bring to the table.

For those of you building your own brands, this is a powerful reminder: never underestimate the impact of your vision and the potential of your ideas. These acquisitions are proof that with dedication, creativity, and perseverance, your brand could grow from a small startup into something highly sought after by the biggest names in the industry.

Ten years ago, brands like Graduate, NoMad, and The Standard were just ideas on paper, driven by passion and a clear sense of what they wanted to offer the world. Today, they’ve been recognized and valued by hospitality giants who see their unique appeal and potential for growth.

So, if you’re out there developing your own brand, take heart. You never know where your journey will lead. Stay true to your vision, keep innovating, and who knows? In the future, your brand could be the next one catching the eye of a major player in the industry.

What I'm Inspired By - The Rise of Craft Lodging and Why It Matters

Lately, I've been inspired by the growing trend of craft lodging—an industry that’s redefining what it means to stay somewhere special. From boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts to charming inns and luxury cabins, craft lodging offers travelers an authentic and personalized experience that larger hotel chains often struggle to provide.

I’m honored to be selected to speak at the Select Registry event on November 4th, where I’ll be discussing the unique value of craft lodging and what makes it so appealing to today’s travelers.

For over 50 years, Select Registry has set the standard for excellence in craft lodging, representing a highly distinctive and carefully curated portfolio of properties across North America. These are not your typical hotels; they are independent, owner-operated establishments where every detail, from the locally sourced food to the personalized recommendations, reflects a deep connection to the local community and culture.

The Kenwood Gables Boutique Bed & Breakfast

Craft lodging is all about offering guests something truly special, an experience that goes beyond just a place to sleep. It’s about staying somewhere that feels like a part of the destination itself, where you’re welcomed not just as a guest but almost as family. The innkeepers and owners of these properties are often deeply rooted in their communities, serving not just as hosts but as local storytellers, personal chefs, and guides to the hidden gems of their region. This kind of personalized service creates a meaningful connection between the traveler and the destination, turning a simple stay into a memorable experience.

The rise of craft lodging is a powerful reminder that there’s always room for innovation in hospitality. It’s not about how big your brand is or how many rooms you can fill; it’s about the experience you offer and the connections you create.

Craft lodging started as a niche but has grown into a sought-after sector because of its commitment to authenticity, quality, and the guest experience. It’s proof that there’s no single path to success in hospitality, if you have a vision and the passion to bring it to life, there’s no telling where it might lead.

What I'm Working On - Securing a Boutique Hotel Management Agreement for Tangy Management

I’m excited to share that we’re working on a significant project at Tangy Management: securing a boutique hotel management agreement. We’ve been touring several unique hotels, and we’re currently in discussions to operate a distinctive boutique property that aims to blend the best of luxury hotels with the comforts and personalization of vacation rentals.

This potential agreement represents a major step forward for Tangy Management. Our vision is to create a seamless guest experience that marries high-end hotel amenities with the unique, home-like feel of vacation rentals. Imagine staying at a boutique hotel where you have the luxury of room service and concierge at your fingertips, but also the flexibility and privacy of a vacation rental—this is the type of experience we’re aiming to deliver.

While nothing is final yet, I’m optimistic about the direction we’re heading. If you, our readers, have any deals or boutique hotels that could use a fresh approach or innovative management, I’d love to connect and explore how we can work together. Our goal is always to create win-win situations, where the property’s unique character shines while elevating guest experiences to new heights.

This venture is an exciting opportunity for Tangy Management, and I’m eager to see where it takes us. Stay tuned for more updates as we work to finalize this agreement and, hopefully, welcome you to our first managed boutique hotel soon!New Tools I'm Using

Tools I AM USING - Fathom The AI Meeting Assistant

Actual Tangy Management Meeting with Fathom

In the fast-paced world of hospitality, staying organized is key. Recently, I discovered Fathom, an AI-powered meeting assistant that has completely transformed how I manage my meetings. Fathom records meetings, provides detailed summaries, and generates action items—all automatically. It’s like having a personal assistant that captures every detail, so I can focus on the conversation without the distraction of note-taking.

One of the things I love most about Fathom is its ability to turn meeting discussions into actionable to-do lists. It identifies key points, decisions, and next steps, making it easy to delegate tasks and keep projects moving forward. This has been a game-changer, ensuring that everyone leaves the meeting with a clear understanding of what needs to be done.

The time-saving aspect of Fathom has been a huge benefit. With Fathom handling the note-taking, I can fully engage in the conversation, knowing that every important detail is being captured. It integrates seamlessly with my existing video conferencing tools, making it easy to get started and stay organized. For anyone looking to streamline their workflow and improve meeting productivity, I highly recommend giving Fathom a try. You can find more information here.

🎙 Listen: The Podcast

2 hotels left to visit checkout our 50 hotels in 50 days challenge!

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Cheers,

Steve Turk

Founder and Host of The Hospitality Mentor