Alev Ersoy — the charismatic managing partner of Eddie V’s Fort Lauderdale — joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a passionate, high‑energy conversation about hospitality, culture, leadership, and what it really takes to run one of South Florida’s busiest luxury dining destinations.

Born in France to Turkish parents and starting in the restaurant industry as a young busboy who barely spoke English, Alev shares his journey from Orlando’s fine‑dining scene to managing partner roles at The Capital Grille and now Eddie V’s. He talks about how his multicultural background shaped his approach to hospitality: the warmth and generosity of Turkish culture mixed with the sophistication and elegance of French dining.

Alev breaks down what makes Eddie V’s special — the “culture of indulgence,” the live nightly music, the award‑winning wine list, prime steaks, elite seafood sourcing, and the effortless glamor woven into every detail. He reveals the behind‑the‑scenes preparation that goes into delivering “the ultimate luxury guest experience,” from personalized menus for CEOs to custom runway‑themed table setups, roses at the table, and remembering guests by association, story, and instinct.

The conversation goes deeper into the heart of restaurant leadership: hiring with intention, building deep loyalty among staff, shaping culture, managing 87 employees, maintaining standards, handling mistakes with generosity (“you fix it fast, and then you plus‑one it”), and why people — not plates — are the soul of a successful restaurant.

Hidden Florida & Beyond… where the real stories live beneath the surface.

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