Since 1984, when he first immigrated to the United States from Germany, Mr. Mir has found consistent inspiration and plentiful opportunities while pursuing the American dream.
HOT SPRINGS, AR, February 19, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Saddiq Antonio Mir has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Hailing from over three decades of expertise in hotel and hospitality management, Mr. Mir serves as the president and chief executive officer at J&S Hospitality. Their three concepts are: J&S Italian Villa Restaurant, Ohio Club, the oldest operating bar since 1905, and the Copper Penny, an Irish pub. Based in Hot Springs, Arkansas, J&S offers fine Italian cuisine, an inviting atmosphere, and live musical performances for patrons to enjoy. Drawing from a wealth of experience in concept development, menu engineering, team building, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to guest satisfaction, Mr. Mir first assumed ownership of the restaurants in 2022, and looks forward to further innovations in curating an unforgettable experience on behalf of his customers.
Since 1984, when he first immigrated to the United States from Germany, Mr. Mir has found consistent inspiration and plentiful opportunities while pursuing the American dream. Despite holding a Bachelor of Arts in hotel and restaurant management from Berufsfach Schuler in Bad Wiesse, Germany, he struggled to find a job in San Francisco and eventually settled for a role as a gas station cashier. By chance, however, he soon met a kind woman who worked at a Holiday Inn in San Francisco. She questioned why he was working in the gas station as he spoke wonderful English. She then graciously offered him a position as a bartender at Holiday Inn. This chance encounter had a profound effect on his life. From there, through perseverance and providence, he continued to advance through roles of increasing responsibility, including as a room service captain, an assistant manager, and, eventually, as the assistant director of food and beverage at the largest hotel on the American West Coast.
Following this period, Mr. Mir joined the Four Seasons hotel chain as the senior manager of the French Room – a dining room that was featured on "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous." Within a year of this role, however, another chance meeting brought him before the owner of the legendary San Francisco Fairmont Hotel, where he became the director of food and beverage after a year.
Since 1990, Mr. Mir has risen through numerous positions of hospitality leadership, including as the corporate director of food and beverage at the Omni Hotel chain, a hotel manager for the Siena Hotel, Spa and Casino in Reno, Nevada, and the vice president of food and beverage at the Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas. While in Las Vegas, he experienced a family tragedy. His son Adiyl, then turning 18 years of age, was killed in a tragic car accident. This prompted Mr. Mir to move back to Dallas to be closer to his other son, Adam. A few weeks later, Mr. Mir was offered work in his field. He says that "Time after time, with God's help, I have been fortunate. I would like to thank God for his kindness to me."
Going into the 2010s, he continued his upward trajectory as the vice president of the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, the director of food and beverage at the Hilton Anatole, the director of food and beverage at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, and the vice president of hospitality at the Oaklawn Racing Casino and Resort, where he achieved a high level of service excellence, oversaw construction projects, and recruited several talented managers to work under his supervision. Over the years. Mr. Mir has opened several restaurants and hotels including the largest resort Marriott ever opened, the Gaylord Rockies in Denver.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Mr. Mir experienced the same challenges many others encountered in the hospitality industry, prompting him to reassess his goals alongside his wife, Jeannie. Together, they resolved to make Hot Springs their home, and launched a new chapter in their lives as entrepreneurs with the purchase of the company J&S Hospitality.
Among his professional accomplishments, Mr. Mir was nominated for F&B Leader of the Year in 2012 by the Texas Hotel Association. He was also nominated for Ideal Leader of the Year in 2013 by the Omni Hotel Corporation. He has also been a speaker on food and beverage forums as well as in schools, and he has been featured in industry magazines. Outside of his accolades, however, Mr. Mir is proud to have started from almost nothing and climbed his way to prosperity. Ultimately finding his calling as a restaurateur, the skills and expertise he gleaned from many years in hospitality have allowed him to thrive. In accounting for his overall success, Mr. Mir credits his unwavering faith, resilience, persistence, passion, and diligent work ethic. He holds himself to high standards and leads by example, expecting no less from those around him.
Looking toward the future, Mr. Mir intends to become a motivational speaker and mentor for aspiring young individuals looking to enter the hospitality industry. He also plans to expand his business and diversify his offerings while writing a book on his experience in building a successful life in America.
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