Jason Druso

Jason Druso joined White Lodging as Vice President of Restaurants in 2014 with the goal of improving the operations and revenue growth of the White Lodging F&B outlets. In 2018, he took over as Vice President of Food and Beverage.

Mr. Druso graduated from Miami University in Ohio with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Marketing and also started as Strong Safety on the football team. Upon graduation, he went to work for Jeff Ruby’s Culinary Entertainment, a regional restaurant operator. He started out learning the business working in various hourly and supervisor positions before being promoted at age 24 to Assistant General Manager at Waterfront a 300-seat steak and seafood restaurant with 5k sq. ft. of banquet space. Later he was promoted to Assistant General Manager during the opening of Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, then promoted again to opening General Manager at Carlo and Johnny, a 215 seat Steakhouse while under his management won numerous awards: “Zagat’s highest rated steakhouse in America,” “4 out of 4 Stars” Cincinnati Enquirer, the “Wine Spectator Award of Excellence,” Cincinnati Magazine’s “Top 25 Restaurants in Cincinnati,” and “Best Overall Restaurant in Cincinnati 2002” Cincinnati Enquirer. While managing Carlo & Johnny he became the Corporate Director of Openings. Jason opened three more restaurants for Jeff Ruby: Tropicana, Coconut Grove, and Jeff Ruby’s at Belterra Casino. In addition, while at the restaurant, he passed Level II Sommelier Exam, Court of Master Sommeliers.

Mr. Druso left Jeff Ruby’s Culinary Entertainment and went on to open his own restaurant Aqua and a restaurant consulting business for five years then selling the business and moving into the hotel business. He was Assistant General Manager of the Marriott Cincinnati Northeast before being promoted to General Manager at the Holiday Inn Cincinnati Riverfront. Lastly being promoted the General Manager of the urban Residence Inn Cincinnati Downtown and Top of the Park rooftop event space.