White Lodging, one of the largest privately held hospitality companies in the United States, has officially announced the return of Jason Druso as Regional Vice President. This appointment marks an important milestone for the company’s growth strategy, as Druso is set to oversee a diverse portfolio of hotels and restaurants across the country. His comeback is viewed as both a strategic move and a reaffirmation of White Lodging’s commitment to elevating service, guest experience, and innovation in the competitive hospitality market.
A History of Excellence at White Lodging
Jason Druso’s relationship with White Lodging began in 2015, when he joined as Vice President of Food & Beverage. During his earlier tenure, Druso was instrumental in reshaping the company’s approach to dining and hospitality. He spearheaded the creation and launch of more than 50 independently branded restaurant and bar concepts, setting White Lodging apart from competitors that relied heavily on standardized chains.
One of his most notable achievements was the development of the company’s state-of-the-art test kitchen. This facility became a hub of culinary experimentation and innovation, enabling chefs to craft unique menus that reflect regional flavors and respond to evolving consumer demands. Druso’s leadership ensured that White Lodging’s food and beverage offerings became not just an amenity but a defining feature of its properties.
Expanding Expertise at Peregrine Hospitality
After leaving White Lodging in early 2025, Druso accepted a senior leadership position with Peregrine Hospitality, where he served as Senior Vice President of Operations for Boutique and Lifestyle properties. In this role, he oversaw renowned destinations including the Paso Robles Inn in California’s wine country and the Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, a luxury property on the Pacific coastline.
His work at Peregrine Hospitality centered on developing lifestyle-focused strategies designed to enhance guest experiences while improving operational efficiency. He introduced new systems to elevate service standards and fostered a culture of innovation across the boutique portfolio. Though his tenure at Peregrine was relatively short, his influence was significant, helping the company strengthen its competitive position in the boutique and lifestyle hospitality space.
The Strategic Importance of Druso’s Return
White Lodging executives expressed excitement at Druso’s return. Chris Anderson, Chief Operating Officer, praised Druso’s previous contributions, especially in transforming the company’s food and beverage operations. Anderson noted that under Druso’s leadership, restaurants and bars within White Lodging properties became strong differentiators for hotel owners, driving both profitability and guest loyalty.
The company emphasized that Druso’s extensive experience in managing lifestyle and urban hotels aligns perfectly with White Lodging’s current expansion plans. His proven track record of improving quality, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence positions him as a leader who can steer the company through its next phase of growth.
Vision for the Future
Speaking on his return, Druso highlighted his long-standing respect for White Lodging’s culture of operational discipline and innovation. He expressed enthusiasm about contributing once again to the company’s growth, emphasizing that White Lodging’s broad portfolio of hotels and restaurants offers both challenges and opportunities for creative leadership.
Druso noted that his focus will be on driving guest satisfaction while also ensuring sustainable growth across the company’s properties. He emphasized the importance of blending traditional hospitality with modern guest expectations, particularly as the industry continues to evolve in response to changing travel behaviors.
A Career Built on Diverse Experience
Beyond his work at White Lodging and Peregrine Hospitality, Druso has held leadership positions across the hospitality industry. He previously served as a hotel general manager with Winegardner & Hammons, where he gained hands-on experience in property management and guest relations. Additionally, his time as a restaurant general manager with Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment provided him with a deep understanding of food and beverage operations at a high level.
This breadth of experience across hotels, restaurants, and lifestyle properties equips Druso with the versatility needed to guide White Lodging’s multifaceted portfolio. His ability to connect the culinary and accommodation sides of hospitality ensures that the company can continue to deliver comprehensive, memorable experiences for its guests.
Implications for the U.S. Hospitality Industry
The return of Jason Druso comes at a time when the U.S. hospitality industry is experiencing a robust recovery following the challenges of recent years. Travelers are seeking unique, high-quality experiences, and companies like White Lodging are adapting by investing in lifestyle properties, innovative dining options, and sustainable operations.
By bringing back a proven leader, White Lodging is signaling its readiness to not only meet but exceed these evolving expectations. The company’s focus on combining strong operational discipline with creativity positions it as a leader in redefining hotel and restaurant experiences across the country.
Conclusion
Jason Druso’s reappointment as Regional Vice President at White Lodging is more than just a personnel change; it is a strategic step toward continued growth, innovation, and excellence in the hospitality sector. His return underscores White Lodging’s commitment to offering distinctive experiences for guests while ensuring operational success for its owners.
With his rich background in hotel management, food and beverage innovation, and lifestyle hospitality, Druso is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of White Lodging’s extensive portfolio. As the U.S. hospitality industry continues its upward trajectory, his leadership is expected to deliver long-lasting benefits for both the company and its guests.
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