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The Concierge

Franz Carver
Peppermill Resort, Casino
Reno, Nev.


What service can you provide to groups that they normally might not receive?

With my 10 years experience as a concierge and on the concierge team at the Peppermill, we have a long standing working relationship with many of Reno’s businesses, including restaurants, museums, showrooms, and parks.

What are your group restaurant recommendations?
The Peppermill offers 10 highly rated restaurants. I always recommend the White Orchid, northern Nevada’s most award-winning restaurant; The Steak House; Romanza Ristorante Italiano, voted Nevada’s Best Themed Restaurant; and our new restaurant, Biscotti’s. Each of these restaurants comes with my highest recommendation. For guests looking to dine outside of the Peppermill, I recommend Rapscallions and Famous Murphy’s, both offer delicious seafood.

What are your bar or nightclub recommendations?
The Peppermill offers 15 themed bars and lounges to suit everyone’s needs. Our Fireside Lounge is one of the most popular lounges in Reno, with romantic fire pits and couches. Our new Terrace Lounge is quickly becoming a favorite, with nightly piano music, while the Peppermill Cabaret offers free musical entertainment for guests. For sports fans, our new Sports Bar is the perfect place to watch the big game in high-definition with a group of friends.

Can you recommend a good place to take a stroll?
One of the best places in town to take a stroll is Virginia Lake, which is located just behind the Peppermill. Normally you can find ducks swimming in the lake. Another recommendation is the Truckee River in downtown Reno. This is a favorite place for locals and tourists to walk, swim, kayak, or relax on the grass and read a book.

Are there any quirky places we should check out?
A quick half-hour drive from Reno is Virginia City. This old mining town features several historical sites, including saloons, mine tours and a steam locomotive.

If we only have an hour or two, what should we definitely check out nearby?
I would suggest the National Automobile Museum for car enthusiasts. The Nevada Museum of Art is an architectural treat featuring wonderful exhibits, and the Wilbur May Museum offers an adventure for people of all ages. The Wilbur May Museum showcases special and rare artifacts, an arboretum and an area where kids can pet animals, ride a pony or pan for gold.

What is an unusual request from a group?
Just before the opening of a convention for American and Canadian teachers, I met a frantic conventioneer. She was to open the convention the next morning by playing the national anthems of each country. She had brought the Canadian anthem but forgot her sheet music for The Star Spangled Banner. Within a short time, and with a quick Internet search, we found her sheet music in time for the convention.

A party of 12 wants to have dinner right away. What restaurant can accommodate last-minute requests of this size?
Any of our restaurants can accommodate last-minute requests. I normally send our guests to Biscotti’s, Romanza Ristorante Italiano or the Steak House.

What’s a unique event that has taken place at your property?
We host groups for a number of unique events every year. This year we are the host hotel for Safari Club International, which is the largest big game hunting organization in the country. Each August, the Peppermill holds classic car and entertainment events during Hot August Nights, a large classic car show held throughout the city of Reno. Another unique option offered at the Peppermill is a special slot tournament for convention groups. The Peppermill is also excited to offer headliner entertainment. We start on Saturday, Feb. 9, with Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard opening our new 62,000-square-foot Tuscany Events Center.