DESTINATION HOSPITALITY GROUP - Key Persons
David Paul Ciani grew up in a 2nd generation Italian-Irish family in Ohio and Michigan. Dave's great-grandfather Rocco Ciani immigrated to Brooklyn from Italy and in the early 1930s opened Ciani's Italian-American Grocery-Delicatessen & Bakery. Italian-American cooking dominated Dave's childhood and at an early age he was a proficient home cook, interested in the grill or rotisserie as much as the techniques required to build an incredible Sunday gravy, which his family would often start early in the morning before church. In 1998, at the age of 14, Dave started working as a dishwasher and then cook that would begin his career and inspire his love for food and hospitality.
The mountains have always been calling Dave as he spent his free time in high school exploring the wilds of northern Michigan, backpacking whenever he could, and working as a ski liftie at his local hill. Ultimately his passion for the outdoors took him to Colorado where he has lived since 2002. During college at Colorado State, Dave gained experience as a cook in a variety of short order eateries, established steakhouses, and fine dining restaurants. After graduating with a degree in Recreation and Tourism, Dave moved to Vail to pursue his passion for the mountain lifestyle with a goal to explore the best restaurants and hotels in the valley. He knew that he wanted to reside in, and intimately know, the best ski town destinations while living an active outdoor lifestyle, and continuing to explore his passion for food, beverage, and all things hospitality. Faced with a life-defining decision, rather than working at one of the acclaimed kitchens in Vail, Dave followed an opportunity to work at a slope side boutique hotel in Beaver Creek.
Hotels quickly became a new passion and skill for Dave as he thrived in building relationships with his colleges and guests. Having the ability to capture a guest for a week at a time, share experiences together, and help to guide them along their visit convinced Dave that he was destined to be a true "hospitalitarian". In short time Dave was promoted into progressive leadership roles, and over the span of 15 years held positions as General Manager, Managing Director, and COO for several full-service destination resort companies.
Dave is an enthusiastic father, husband, cook, skier, forager, backpacker, biker, musician, and traveler. When he's not working, he is likely outside with his family and friends playing and exploring new terrain and always seeking out the best local food and hotels. Dave and his wife Jamie live in Avon, CO with their son Sawyer Jameson and wirehaired vizsla, Gus.
Job Titles:
- Regional VP of Operations
Patrick Funk was born and raised in Colorado and attended Johnson & Wales Culinary School where he fine-tuned his passion and skills as a chef. After several years of operating restaurants and resorts in the mountain communities of the Vail Valley and Telluride, Patrick joined Phil Armstong to create Destination Hospitality with their first restaurant, Aurum Food & Wine Steamboat in 2014.
Now as a Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Patrick continues to be a driving force behind the company's success. With a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Patrick plays a pivotal role in creating standout dining and hospitality experiences across our resort markets.
Patrick brings a unique perspective to the table. He serves as an exceptional leader, guiding our team in delivering top-notch service and memorable experiences across our renowned establishments, including Aurum Food and Wine, Table 79 FoodBar, The Periodic Table, and The Carlin.
Patrick's passion for culinary excellence shines through in every aspect of his work. With meticulous attention to detail, he ensures that each plate is crafted with the finest ingredients, resulting in exceptional flavors that delight the senses. Through his vision, the dining experiences at our establishments are elevated to new heights, leaving guests with a lasting impression.
Beyond his role at Destination Hospitality, Patrick is deeply rooted in the Steamboat Springs community. He actively collaborates with local food producers, farmers, and artisans to cultivate a farm-to-table concept that embraces sustainability and supports the local economy. Patrick's commitment to fostering meaningful connections and promoting the region's rich culinary offerings has made him a respected figure in the industry.
Patrick lives in beautiful Steamboat Springs, CO with his wife Nicole and two daughters Hazel and Charlotte. When he's not in the restaurants or overseeing operations, Patrick can often be found exploring the great outdoors of Steamboat Springs, CO. As an avid outdoor enthusiast, he embraces the active lifestyle, whether it's hiking through scenic trails, skiing down powdery slopes, or simply appreciating the natural beauty that surrounds him. Patrick's unwavering dedication to culinary excellence and commitment to community helps to guide and shape Destination Hospitality's goals across all it's markets.
Born and raised just north of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Phillips Armstrong Jr grew up in a family that focused on great food and hospitality. Thanks to one of his father's part-time jobs as a charter bus driver, which helped instill an early work ethic, Phil spent much of his childhood eating, visiting near and far-off places, and sowing the seeds for his future passion. In 1995, at the age of 14, Phil took his first job as a busboy at a local Italian restaurant, launching what would become a lifelong career in hospitality.
Job Titles:
- Regional VP of Operations