Honouring Legacy: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Celebrates Four Long-Serving Banquet Team Members

Embodying the pinnacle of hospitality excellence, these four gentlemen contribute to the enduring legacy that is 35 years of Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.

Homero Rodriguez | Banquet Server

Meet Homero Rodriguez, a remarkable member of the #FSLuxuryLegends team at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, celebrating an incredible 35-year journey with the Hotel. Homero's story began with a serendipitous encounter due to mistaken signage directing Homero to Four Seasons Chicago, and upon entry, he landed himself an interview and soon after a position at the Hotel. Starting in room service and 17 years later transitioning to banquets, Homero's tenure reflects a true sense of belonging and purpose.

What fuels Homero's unwavering commitment to exceptional service every day? It is the atmosphere of respect and camaraderie cultivated by the team —a testament to the Golden Rule of treating others as you would like to be treated, which is at the heart of the company’s ethos.

Reflecting on his favourite memories, Homero cherishes the joyous employee holiday parties with his children over the years. He also fondly remembers winning Employee of the Month a decade ago, emphasizing his dedication and passion.

One of Homero's standout experiences involves crafting signature drinks for guests. From perfecting Martinis to creating bespoke cocktails based on guest feedback, Homero thrives on creating unforgettable moments. "I spend a lot of time behind the bar and would see the same guests year after year. They would say hey I remember you! I love it when guests take photos of their drinks and ask who made them. It makes me feel special to say it was me.”

Fidel Diaz | Banquet Server

Introducing Fidel Diaz, another esteemed member of the #FSLuxuryLegends team at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, marking an impressive 35-year milestone with the Hotel. Fidel's journey began with a friend's recommendation to come work at the Hotel. Since day one, Fidel has dedicated himself to banquet service excellence.

What makes Four Seasons Hotel Chicago special to Fidel? “It's our commitment to service - here we deliver with personality and get to put our own spin on it.” Fidel's bright personality infuses each guest's experience with thoughtful gestures and care.

Reflecting on favourite memories, Fidel recalls the exhilaration of when the Hotel became number one in the city, a moment celebrated with a memorable off-site gathering, highlighting the tight-knit community among his banquet team, whom he considers family.

One defining moment is when Fidel creatively solved a guest's request during a busy corporate event, ensuring a Bulls game was available for viewing and making the guest's evening unforgettable.

Over the years, while the Hotel's look has had its share of physical changes, Fidel notes that the foundational standards of Four Seasons have always remained with an unwavering dedication to service excellence.

Fidel fondly recalls a special encounter with Isadore Sharp, the founder of Four Seasons. During a banquets event, Fidel enjoyed a casual conversation with Mr. Sharp and the building owner, Mr. Bluhm, emphasizing the Hotel's culture of genuine connections.

Daniel Eloisa | Banquet Server

Daniel Eloisa is a dedicated member of the #FSLuxuryLegends team at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, celebrating an incredible 45-year milestone with the brand. Daniel attributes the Hotel's specialness to the spirit of teamwork that has allowed him to build his family within the Four Seasons community - a source of great happiness for him.

Daniel's journey began when he arrived in Chicago on February 7 at 7:00 am. With determination and the support of family already working for the company, Daniel applied the next day and was unsurprisingly hired on the spot with his charming personality. Starting as a dishwasher and overnight cleaner, he quickly rose through the ranks - transitioning to roles in bell services, fine dining, private club, and eventually banquets, where he found his true passion.

What motivates Daniel to provide best-in-class service every day? The desire to create a better financial future for his family. Seeing his children thrive - two in finance and one following in his footsteps in hospitality - fuels his commitment to excellence.

Reflecting on favourite memories, Daniel cherishes winning Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year, especially the moment he received recognition from Isadore Sharp himself to celebrate this milestone.

Among the most memorable hotel events for Daniel are the celebrations of anniversaries with his team. "Those create lasting memories. We work so many hours, but we have great managers who take care of us, so it feels like family and has made the 45 years go by.”

Outside of work, Daniel leads an active lifestyle, enjoying biking and drawing culinary inspiration from his surroundings at the Hotel.

Hamid Sadeghian | Banquet Server

Introducing Hamid Sadeghian, a cherished member of the #FSLuxuryLegends team at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, celebrating an extraordinary 35-year journey with the Hotel. For Hamid, the exceptional standards and unwavering commitment to hospitality at Four Seasons align perfectly with his upbringing in Iran - a culture renowned for its warm hospitality and generosity.

From his very first day, Hamid was determined to meet the high standards set by the Hotel, drawing inspiration from his father's welcoming nature that often saw guests invited into their home for meals - a tradition that instilled in him a natural inclination towards hospitality.

What motivates Hamid to deliver best-in-class service every day? It's the joy of seeing happy guests and knowing that his efforts leave a lasting impact - often evidenced by returning groups who specifically request his service, a testament to the genuine connections he fosters with guests.

Reflecting on favourite memories, Hamid fondly recalls a day when two separate groups sought his service simultaneously, each appreciating his dedication and sparking playful banter over who had the privilege of his attention. “I was being pulled in two directions because of how much they appreciated my service. It was nice to experience that,” Hamid shares.

Hamid has been present through all iterations of the Hotel’s evolution through renovations but notes the commitment to hiring and nurturing exceptional talent has been constant throughout his tenure. The knowledge and dedication of his colleagues continue to inspire him after 37 years of service. “I can say that after 37 years I still have the same excitement and drive to continue providing excellent service as if it's my first week here!”

Please join the FS Chicago team in offering a well-deserved congratulations to Homero, Fidel, Daniel and Hamid!