Teague Talks with Alpesh Patel, Kana Hotel Group

Kana Hotel Group's CEO discusses the strategy behind their $80 million dual-brand Embassy Suites and Tempo by Hilton development in Tennessee.

This week on Teague Talks, Teague travels to the newly developed dual-brand Embassy Suites and Tempo by Hilton Pigeon Forge, where he sits down with Alpesh Patel, CEO of Kana Hotel Group, to discuss the strategy and momentum behind the $80 million investment in the heart of Tennessee.

From humble beginnings and an early passion for hard work, Alpesh shares how he strategically repositioned and evolved Kana’s portfolio, approaches brand selection with intention, and thoughtfully champions development in an ever-evolving landscape. The conversation dives into what it truly means to be guest-first—welcoming travelers like they’re entering your own home—and why no role is beneath him, from operations to housekeeping.

Next week, tune in for Teague’s exclusive tour of the 276-room dual-branded property that seamlessly marries practicality with modern luxury in Pigeon Forge.

About Teague Talks

Teague Hunter, President and CEO of Hunter Advisors, created Teague Talks in 2020 to connect and educate the hospitality industry in a time of unparalleled uncertainty. Today, the popular series continues to bring our industry together and inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders. Bi-weekly Teague Talks episodes feature in-depth conversations with industry leaders, while Teague Walks features property tours alongside owners and developers. Subscribe to our YouTube channel or your favorite audio streaming platform to keep your finger on the pulse of the ever-evolving hotel industry. Click here for all episodes.

Development General Management Brand Portfolio Supply Growth Brand Selection Guest Journey

As CEO of Hunter Hotel Advisors, Teague is responsible for leading a team of seasoned investment professionals to provide clients with advisory solutions in hotel brokerage and capital markets. The firm has a unique approach of utilizing its local market knowledge and national investor reach to create a new business model not offered by institutional brokerages.

A graduate of Cornell’s School of Hospitality Administration, Alpesh was formerly with Ernst & Young’s Hospitality Advisory Services group in New York City. As a hospitality consultant at E&Y, he partnered with several major hotel developers, operators, and lenders on a wide range of activities, which included conducting feasibility studies for new hotel developments, structuring debt and equity financing for portfolios or single...

Hunter Hotel Advisors is the nation’s leading investment advisory firm focused exclusively on the hotel industry. Their seasoned team of investment professionals and offices nationwide consistently provide clients with optimal results in hotel brokerage, financial advisory and capital markets services of any size or complexity. With over 35 years of experience in both full and select-service single assets and portfolios, the firm’s capacity...

Kana Hotel Group is an award-winning Hotel Development & Management Company based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Our current portfolio consists of over 70 premium branded hotels across 19 states. The brands in Kana’s portfolio include Embassy Suites by Hilton, Tempo by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton and Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, Homewood Suites, Home2Suites, Tru by Hilton, Courtyard by Marriott, Springhill Suites by Marriott,...

Embassy Suites by Hilton, one of Hilton’s 17 market-leading brands, is dedicated to delivering what matters most to travelers. The full-service, upscale brand offers two-room suites, free made-to-order breakfast and a nightly two-hour reception with complimentary drinks and snacks. Both leisure and business travelers looking for a relaxed, yet sophisticated experience will feel right at home with brand-standard amenities like inviting...

Tempo by Hilton is a new approachable lifestyle hotel brand dedicated to exceeding the expectations of the ambitious, modern traveler. Pioneering a new hospitality category, Tempo by Hilton offers accommodations thoughtfully designed to help guests relax and recharge; inspiring public spaces, including an open lobby concept with dedicated spaces to relax, work and dine; as well as premium culinary options co-developed with the award- winning...