Ryan Nickelson has been appointed as General Manager at Casa Don Alfonso at the The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis

Nickelson joins Casa Don Alfonso with more than a decade of leadership experience in high-volume, hospitality-driven environments. Most recently, he led operations at Olive + Oak, one of St. Louis' most acclaimed restaurants, where he oversaw a 30-person team and implemented training systems that elevated both guest satisfaction and staff engagement. His career also includes key roles with Niche Food Group, where he contributed to revitalizing service standards under James Beard Award-winning leadership, as well as Rockwell Beer Company and Craft Beer Cellar, where he launched Missouri's first hybrid beer retail concept. Nickelson's leadership style centers on authenticity, warmth, and a relentless commitment to excellence. "At Casa Don Alfonso, our mission is to honor the Iaccarino family's rich heritage while evolving our service culture to new heights of Midwestern hospitality," Nickelson says. "It's an honor to lead this talented team and continue building a dining experience that reflects both the best of St. Louis and the spirit of Southern Italy."