VENUE HOSPITALITY SOLUTIONS

We bring a global perspective and keen eye for creativity to each project.
Experienced in Innovative Operations, Technology, Financial Review, Facility Design and more.

Why VHS?

We've spoken to hundreds of team owners, foodservice managers, and fans...….and they are all looking for someone who THINKS DIFFERENTLY.

At Venue Hospitality Solutions, we believe:


  • IN EINSTEIN'S THEORY OF INSANITY
    • The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
    • At VHS, we know that venues are looking for an advisor to break the cycle and try something different to get the results they need. We are not afraid to challenge the status quo, present innovative solutions and introduce new ways of thinking to get sane solutions!

  • THE MODEL IS BROKEN
    • Higher commission contracts, lower quality, lower revenue and poor fan experience. All of the typical attributes of a today's foodservice partner/team relationship.
    • At VHS, we understand that success MUST INCLUDE: a true financial partnership, the highest quality products and services, higher revenues and an unbelievable fan experience. 

  • THE FAN SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE PLANNING PROCESS
    • Connecting to the fans through food and beverage is essential in the financial success of any hospitality program.
    • At VHS, we believe that fans are your best and most loyal advocates of your brand. Fan engagement through contests, focus groups, interactive demonstrations and town hall meetings with venue management are creative ways to keep your fans included in the planning process. 

  • WE ARE ADVISORS, NOT CONSULTANTS
    • Teams are looking for like-minded partners to help shape their businesses, not consultants.
    • At VHS, we advise and advocate for our partners. We take the time to fully understand all project objectives to provide the proper support. Our counsel provides an objective perspective on each hospitality decision and allows our clients to make their own decisions with all of the relevant information necessary to reach their goals.


What We Do

Operations Consulting

Every customized program not only fits a business’ structure today, but is built for sustained success. Our clients enjoy a well thought out plan, along with global coverage, fast turnaround time and industry benchmarking that allows them to monitor their business against the market.

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Financial Consultation

Building a financial plan can help bridge the gap between what you want to accomplish and what becomes a reality. That’s where financial professionals, specializing in large venues come in, offering advice and recommendations on everything from budgeting to evaluating foodservice deals to creating investor presentations. VHS interprets the spreadsheets in a concise way, with the ability to give a 30,000ft view of the project and the intricate details.

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Marketing Consultation

Our team is skilled and knowledgeable in fan behavior and the impact of the marketing process on the business. We understand the importance of identifying the target market and positioning your offerings in a way that will increase fan spending and engagement. We not only think creatively but analytically, providing the best possible solutions.

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Facility Design

Our team will work with your leadership team and your local designers to provide our innovative design expertise in hospitality, entertainment and leisure industries. Together, we can bring your project to life in the global marketplace.

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About Us

THE VHS POINT OF VIEW


We are trusted, impartial and knowledgeable hospitality professionals. Our notable hands-on experience with some of the most iconic sports and entertainment brands in the world puts us in a unique position to provide insightful forward thinking solutions to our partners.

Venue Hospitality Solutions brings a global perspective and keen eye for creativity to each consulting project. Experienced in Innovative Operations, Technology Solutions, Financial Review, Facility Design and more. A holistic approach focused on accentuating the positive while maximizing people performance, product offerings and profitability.


MICHAEL BEKOLAY

Michael, CEO and Founder of Venue Hospitality Solutions is a powerhouse industry veteran with unique skills in hospitality, focused on curating exceptional guest experiences. After 35 years in the food and beverage business and almost 10 years with Legends Hospitality, Michael started Venue Hospitality Solutions (VHS) to provide an alternative option to the many sports and entertainment venues that want to improve their hospitality programs. His approach to providing insightful, strategic and actionable feedback to his clients is one of the many reasons why he is respected globally in the sports and entertainment industry. Michael’s unique hands-on approach is celebrated by his partners in the USA and abroad. He has compiled an extensive network of industry veterans that work together as a team, each bringing a core competency creating creative and effective solutions for clients. VHS provides hospitality and retail advisory services related to facility design, operational management, marketing and financial consultation for sports team owners and venue operators. Michael is recognized as a trusted voice when they have a vision for their fan experience but need assistance to execute that vision. Michael’s 35 plus years of industry experience includes management in global professional sports, NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, British Premiere League, La Liga and Serie A as well numerous NCAA division I teams. He started his path with a Bachelors degree in hospitality management followed by a rich history of work experience in Canada, the USA and abroad. Michael has held numerous positions including Vice President of operations with Centerplate and the Boston Culinary Group where he oversaw the food, beverage and merchandise operations for the Miami Dolphins, the Florida Marlins and the University of Miami at Sunlife Stadium. During his career he has been instrumental in the successful operation of Super Bowls, College Bowls, BCS football championships, NCAA Final Four, Stanley Cup championship series and countless blockbuster concerts.In 2010, Michael was one of the founding leadership executives at Legends Hospitality when the NY Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys created a company intending to revolutionize the sports hospitality industry. During his time at Legends, he served in many different capacities along his journey, including VP of Operations at AT&T Stadium, COO of the Hospitality Division and SVP of Innovation and Fan Experience. Michael played an integral role in pushing Legends to become a leader in the culinary, catering and merchandising industries. He was instrumental in the growth from 2 accounts to 85+ hospitality accounts in the USA. He orchestrated strategic partnerships in the United Kingdom (UK) and Italy that included Premiere League football clubs and Serie A locations.
He currently is an instructor at the IAVM venue management school where he teaches first and second year students principles of foodservice management . His passion for hospitality is evident in his professional and personal life. He currently resides in Weston, FL with his wife and enjoys international travel, golf, fly fishing, cooking and aging his own beef.

Endorsements

 Michael is a consummate professional, eager to push boundaries and masterful at translating conclusions into actionable plans for the Cowboys. With the financial success of his direct projects and the improvement in quality and guest satisfaction scores, we were thrilled to have Michael on our team. We wish him the best in his future endeavors! 

Chad Estis: Executive Vice President, Dallas Cowboys

 During my tenure as President, On Site Products at Live Nation Entertainment, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Michael in his role at Legends Hospitality. Michael was an instrumental leader in the conversion of Live Nation’s amphitheaters from the previous concessionaire to the Legends organization. His leadership, project management skills and subject matter expertise made the conversion a frictionless experience. Throughout the time that we worked together, Michael was the role model of a responsive business partner. Our agendas were consistently aligned, he understood our business, and he took risks that made both of our respective businesses better. Michael’s out of the box, innovative approach to the food and beverage industry was a refreshing addition to a business segment that is frequently overlooked, under-appreciated and behind the times in. its’ ability to meet an evolving client and fan base. Personally, Michael’s tremendous integrity, diligent work ethic and upbeat, positive, genuine demeaner made it a true pleasure to work with him.” 

Brian Yost: Former President Live Nation On Site Products

 Michael is the strongest, most knowledgeable food service operator I have ever had the pleasure to know and work with. From Super Bowls, World Series, festivals, major functions, revamping and designing of concession areas and the creation of Fine Dining experiences, I have never meet anyone more intelligent, more focused, more strategic; but most importantly, more successful than Michael. He is honest and will always tell you what needs to be said, not what someone wants to hear. He is unflappable when the pressure is on. He never loses sight of relationships. He works easily with ownership and effortlessly transitions to working with team members and employees." 

Bruce Shulze: President Shulze Group, Former President Dolphin Stadium, Former President Stadium Managers Association
  

Contact Us

  • Miami, FL, USA