Hotel Drover
Hotel Drover is no stranger to awards, including four-time Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards winner and MICHELIN Key honoree, but its latest honor isn’t about cocktails or chandeliers. The Fort Worth Stockyards resort and its restaurant, “97 West Kitchen & Bar,” have just been certified as a Great Place To Work® for the third year in a row —recognition driven entirely by the people who work there.
Part of what makes Hotel Drover feel alive is its deep connection to Texas history. Anchoring the Mule Alley entertainment district, the hotel draws inspiration from the drovers and cattlemen who once moved herds across the plains. Every room and suite, including those designed in collaboration with Lucchese, celebrates a uniquely Texan style, blending rustic charm with modern comfort. Spaces like The Barn, with its vaulted ceilings and reclaimed timber, or Legacy Hall with a veranda overlooking Marine Creek, make it more than a hotel. They make it a place where stories unfold.
"At Hotel Drover and 97 West, we believe that when you invest in people, you build a workplace where passion, purpose, and pride thrive," said Jaonna Livingston, Area Director of People & Culture. “Our team shows up every day with a commitment to creating legendary experiences for our guests and one another. This certification is proof that when people feel supported, amazing things happen, and we couldn't be more proud of our talented team.”
But the hotel’s real distinction comes from the people who bring it to life. According to the Great Place To Work® Trust Index™ survey, 95% of employees are proud to tell others they work at Hotel Drover, 96% believe guests would rate their service as excellent, and 92% feel valued as full members of the team regardless of position.
"We took last year’s team member feedback and action planning very seriously, and our leadership team was dedicated to enhancing the team member experience," Livingston added. "We implemented structured onboarding, increased career development programs, promoted empowerment, and fostered a collaborative culture with frequent recognition. This focus on our team has resulted in 33 internal promotions since last year’s survey, with 25 of those this year alone. With supportive ownership who inspire us daily, our team is empowered to make every day more legendary than the next."
The resort offers not only luxurious accommodations but also more than 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Signature experiences like The Mark luggage branding program, the live music series “The Backyard Unplugged,” and seasonal events —from Easter in The Backyard to a holiday tree lighting with Cowboy Santa and live reindeer —create a sense of community for both guests and staff. And “97 West Kitchen & Bar” gives employees a stage to shine, serving elevated ranch classics, contemporary Texas fare, and reimagined Southern comfort food.
With supportive leadership, 33 internal promotions in the past year alone, and a culture built on respect and pride, it’s no wonder the hotel stands out.
“Our recognition as a Great Place to Work for the third consecutive year proves that our culture drives our performance,” said Kristin Assad, Chief Operating Officer. "The same spirit behind this certification fuels our record-setting guest satisfaction scores, global awards, and continued growth across Hotel Drover, 97 West, and beyond.”
For anyone curious about what makes Hotel Drover tick, or looking to join the team, visit hoteldrover.com/careers.
