NEW ORLEANS, La. – In celebration of his longtime service and commitment to New Orleans’ hospitality industry, Sonesta International Hotels (Sonesta) has announced the retirement of general manager Alfred “Al” Groos, who has helmed The Royal Sonesta New Orleans since 2006.
Groos began his career with Sonesta 47 years ago, working as a food and beverage trainee. Journeying into a leadership role, he served as the opening general manager for the Chateau Sonesta, helping to convert D.H. Holmes, the historic, pre-Civil War department store on Canal Street, into a 263-room luxury hotel in 1995. He also managed The Royal Sonesta Boston in Cambridge, Mass., from 1996–2000.
Heading back to the Big Easy in 2000 to take the role of general manager at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, Groos helped shape the hotel into what it is today. Notably, Groos’ influence includes playing a key role in the creation of the hotel’s Mardi Gras event, “Greasing of the Poles,” as well as the concept for the hotel’s restaurants and bars—PJ’s Coffee Café, Restaurant R’evolution, and The Jazz Playhouse.
Considered by many as the official kickoff to Mardi Gras in the French Quarter, Greasing of the Poles happens every year on the Friday before Fat Tuesday, drawing local and international crowds alike to view the ritualistic greasing of the hotel’s support poles as a practical means of preventing overzealous crowds from shimmying up the building for a better parade view. The event, which has grown into the most popular non-parade event during Mardi Gras, will celebrate its 55th anniversary in 2025. For the past 18 years, Groos has commenced the festivities, helping guide local celebrities to compete in the pole greasing competition and encouraging the crowd to join in the fun.
In addition to its signature Mardi Gras event, the hotel has become a dining destination thanks to Groos’ leadership. The opening of PJ’s Coffee Café in 2010 marked the local coffee brand’s very first café concept. In 2012, Groos furthered the property’s dining reputation by partnering with Louisiana culinary visionary, Chef John Folse, for the opening of Restaurant R’evolution. The fine dining restaurant continues to serve reimagined interpretations of classic Cajun and Creole cuisine.
Outside of his work as General Manager, Groos has long been active with the wider New Orleans community. In partnership with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Groos launched the “Got Gumbo” cook-off, which was held for the 22nd year in March. The event was created to bring awareness to the services offered by United Way to the New Orleans community. Groos has also sat on many local boards and commissions over the years to support the city of New Orleans, including the French Quarter Management District, the New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association, and New Orleans and Company.
Under his leadership, Groos led the hotel staff in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Ida, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Congratulations, Mr. Groos! I was the F&B Director’s assistant when he came in as GM in 2006 and he was a pleasure to work for!