Louisville, Ky. (July 10, 2024) – Driftwood Hospitality Management (DHM), an international leader in hotel operations and management, announces it will assume management operations for the Canopy by Hilton Downtown Louisville (“Hotel”), a $75 million, 168-key hotel in the heart of the city’s historic district. With more than 80 properties in its portfolio, the Hotel is DHM’s first assignment in Kentucky and is scheduled for completion in Q4 2024.

The expansion into Kentucky showcases DHM’s capabilities in hospitality management across numerous assets in domestic and international markets. Exceeding brand standards while working in tandem with external partners, the Hotel will be developed by renowned New York-based Zyyo, which acquired the site in 2020, and Minnesota-based TruVine Companies. Zyyo is also serving as the project’s architect and construction manager, with Louisville-based Bellé Noble Entertainment Group designated as the Hotel’s food & beverage operator.

“Expanding into a new market offers an opportunity for our team to serve discerning guests with a tailored approach that exceeds expectations,” said David Buddemeyer, Founder and President of Driftwood Hospitality Management. “Recognizing the unique aspects of the surrounding location and what it means for those visiting the area, our team looks forward to providing a rich experience that conveys the local flair of Downtown Louisville.”

Set to be delivered in Q4 2024, the Hotel is centrally located on 143 West Market St. Just a walk away from Whiskey Row, the Kentucky International Convention Center, and the KFC Yum Center Arena – the area’s premier entertainment facility for concerts and sports – the Hotel is designed to complement the surrounding community’s culinary and entertainment venues with a new standard of Midwest hospitality.

“We always strive to take a local approach for every hotel we manage, and this holds true especially when it comes to food and beverage options,” said Bryan Postema, Chief Operating Officer of Driftwood Hospitality Management. “Whether it’s a poolside cocktail, a scenic rooftop view with carefully curated bites, or luxurious dining from one of the nation’s premier restauranteurs, our mission is to provide an unmatched experience that goes beyond the average hotel stay.”

Led by Kevin Grangier, celebrated luxury restauranteur and founder, president, and CEO of Bellé Noble Entertainment Group, the Hotel is poised to become a local and regional destination for upscale dining. The mastermind behind Grassa Gramma, Kentucky’s #1 Italian restaurant and Le Moo, one of America’s highest ranking steakhouses, Grangier will be presenting Bourré Bonne Steakhouse to the Hotel, as well as a new rooftop restaurant and bar.

“We look forward to this exciting new opportunity to work on such an innovative project alongside Nick Campisano and his team at Zyyo,” added Andrew Stevens, EVP of Acquisitions & Development of Driftwood Hospitality Management. “He has developed a truly exceptional hotel with an incredible attention to detail that elevates the guest experience in every sense.”

“Since 2019, I have been impressed by the evolution of Driftwood’s management capabilities, as well as their comprehensive abilities to maximize the Canopy Brand,” said Nick Campisano, Founder & CEO of Zyyo. “It is an honor to partner with them on this project, and hopefully it is the first of many.”

Additional onsite amenities will include a state-of-the-art fitness center with a press juice bar and more than 5,100 square feet of meeting space, including a rooftop ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows offering expansive views of Louisville.

Found in one of the most vibrant and historic districts throughout the Midwest, Downtown Louisville offers a unique blend of entertainment, education, and gastronomic experiences throughout its main districts of Main Street and Whiskey Row:

  • Main Street: Lining downtown Louisville’s Main Street are some of the most historic buildings in the city, built between the 1850s and early 1900s. The Revivalist and Chicago School-style buildings with cast-iron facades are the largest collection in the U.S., second only to SoHo in New York City and offering a rich architectural experience.
  • Whiskey Row: Louisville’s Whiskey Row continues to see a revival with new distilleries and attractions re-inhabiting the area that once served as home to the bourbon industry from the mid-to-late 1800s. Nearby distilleries include the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Old Forester Distilling Co., and Angel’s Envy Distillery.

For more information about DHM and the 80+ properties in its portfolio, please visit www.driftwoodhospitality.com.