Tom Sweeney, San Francisco's Most Legendary Doorman, Celebrates More Than 30 Years of Service at the Historic Sir Francis Drake Hotel On Union Square
Greeting Guests, Shaking Hands with Presidents and Tackling Thieves on Powell Street-Just Another Day at the Office for Tom Sweeney
SAN FRANCISCO- Oct. 2006 -Tom Sweeney, San Francisco's most famous doorman is celebrating a very special anniversary this Winter-over 30 years of service at the historic and legendary Sir Francis Drake Hotel on Union Square. Best known for his genuine smile, infallible and never-ending knowledge of the city by the Bay, and of course his bright red Beefeater's uniform, Sweeney is much more than just a doorman. He is an iconic fixture in the San Francisco community and has become a widely recognized local celebrity and champion of the city.
Sweeney likes to joke that his job has "opened a lot of doors," but this is more a reality than a quick quip. A native San Franciscan and graduate of the Hotel and Restaurant School at San Francisco City College, Tom joined the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in 1979. At the time, Tom though he was only going to be in the position for two years, having already applied to the San Francisco Police and Fire Academies. But after realizing how much he truly loved his job at the hotel and how much it had become a part if his life, Tom decided to keep at it and has been there ever since.
In his three decades of greeting and assisting the guests at the landmark hotel, Tom has befriended an amazing array of people from all over the world including Hollywood celebrities, Heads of State, five U.S. Presidents, professional athletes, and many more. "Meeting people is the best part of this job," says Sweeney. "I have countless invitations from the people I have met from all over the globe, to come and visit them-and that is what makes this position different from any other that I can dream of." In his 30 year tenure, he has greeted all of the presidents of the U.S. who have been in office since President Ford, except for George W. Bush; Tony Blair; Michael Jordan; Julia Roberts; John Travolta; Tiger Woods; Barry Bonds; Joe Montana; Bono; Mick Jagger; Jennifer Lopez; Britney Spears and countless others.
The highly physical job involves much more than simply opening doors which makes it a perfect fit for the athletic Sweeney, who played football at San Francisco's Riordan High School. In his 30 years of service, he prides himself on never having been injured-a true testament to his tremendous strength and physical conditioning. An avid runner, Tom has finished 16 marathons in almost every major city, including: San Francisco; New York; Chicago; Honolulu; Washington, DC; and London, and he was just accepted to run the Alaska Marathon in 2007. He likens the job to that of a quarterback-being the eyes and ears of all of the guests he comes in contact with, while unloading luggage, giving directions and making sure all of this is done with a friendly smile.
Sweeney is actively involved in the San Francisco community, throwing an annual doormen's' lunch for his colleagues; making hundreds of appearances at charitable events and parades in his Beefeater uniform; is an adopted member of the San Francisco Police and Fire Departments with hundreds of good friends in both organizations; and much more.
Sweeney was awarded the Highest Bravery Award from Mayor Feinstein in 1982 after chasing down and tackling two thieves who stole a guests' luggage-in his Beefeater uniform. The robbers were apprehended and the happy and thankful guests got all of their possessions back. The hotel then sent him to Mexico as a token of their gratitude where he saved a girl who was drowning in the Pacific Ocean, which was broadcast all over the world. This was not his first or last television appearance either-Tom has appeared on several episodes of the popular daytime soap opera, The Young and the Restless, in his uniform playing the part of a doorman. He has also been included in a variety of print ads, travel stories and guide books.
Sweeney could actually retire and hang up his uniform in 2007 when he turns 50, but plans on staying at the hotel for at least another five years. "I have the best job in the world," says Tom. "I couldn't imagine giving it up today because I truly enjoy every minute of it and it is a large part of who I am." Although representing one of the hotel's oldest traditions, Sweeney believes an exciting new chapter in the hotel's history is now unfolding with its new management and multi-million dollar renovations which will be unveiled in 2007. "It's time for the new generation," he said. "The Drake is a true modern legend in our beloved city and will be widely recognized as such when it's new look debuts next year. I personally guarantee that."
For information and reservations contact the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, 450 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102; call, (415) 392-7755 locally or (800) 227-5480 in the U.S. Color slides and photographs available at request. www.sirfrancisdrake.com.
Contact
:
Nancy Uber, NÜ PR for Sir Francis Drake
415.672.2950
nancy@nupr.com
Jamie Law, Kimpton Hotels
415.955.5495
Jamie.Law@kimptongroup.com
