English FAQ's of Fiesta De Reyes Integration to ExplorUS
ExplorUS is acquiring the concession contract for Old Town Family Hospitality.
Effectively, ExplorUS will become the new owners of the concession contract which owns & operates Fiesta de Reyes, Barra Barra Saloon & The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant.
The soonest date that the transition will happen is January 1st, 2026.
However, due to approvals/transfers, this date is a moving target and could potentially be delayed.
Don’t worry, we will give advance notice as we approach on when to expect the transition to occur!
Not a lot!
At the time when transition occurs, Old Town Family Hospitality Corp will end employment with all the employees and provide final paychecks…
…At the same time, all employees will have the opportunity to be ‘re-hired’ with ExplorUS in the SAME position at the SAME wage that the employee holds today.
The goal is for employees to continue working with ExplorUS in the same manner as they were with Old Town Family Hospitality Corp.
We don’t foresee any major interruption in our employee’s day to day lives besides the new paperwork to be rehired!
No.
ExplorUS has committed to rehiring all employees of Old Town Family Hospitality Corp, pending employee’s pass the hiring requirements set forth by ExplorUS.
Very little will change for the employees.
A few items, like payroll processing, employee insurance may change but there are no changes for how employees interact with guests.
We do not anticipate any changes to how tips are distributed currently. ExplorUS follows all federal and state requirements regarding the handling of both cash and charged tips so you can be assured that they will be distributed accordingly.
No!
There are no plans to make any material changes to employees schedules during/after the transition.
No!
All restaurant management, Chef’s, and office personnel will remain intact and continue with ExplorUS if desired. No new members are planned to be introduced.
Ryan & Brandon Ross will continue to manage the operations at Fiesta de Reyes under ExplorUS.
Although there may be some new policies & procedures, we intend for the management philosophy and company culture to continue for years to come. It is what makes Fiesta de Reyes so special.
Yes!
ExplorUS offers many employee benefits which we are excited to share.
We expect only an improvement in the offerings to our employees with ExplorUS, as well as many new benefits for our employees to take advantage of.
Details on benefits will be provided as soon as possible.
NO!
Please see statement below from ExplorUS on what to expect…
“ExplorUS is committed to executing all commitments in the current contract between the State of California and the Old Town Family Holding Corp. Further, we are committed to have Ryan and Brandon Ross continue to lead the operation in the same manner as the operation is being managed today. In specific detail, the current branding will remain the same as well as the tenant mix. Aside from the normal evolution of the business and the marketplace, we will ensure that the visitor experience continues to be what it is today (of course, in cooperation with the State of California’s goals and objectives.) As a matter of fact, little will change for the employees as well. A few items, like payroll processing, employee insurance may change but there are no changes for how employees interact with visitors. It is the plan and goal that the associated ownership change (regarding the concession contract) will be undetectable to the public. Brandon and Ryan’s leadership will help ensure this seamless transition. Along with no visible change from the visitor’s perspective, the operation (back of house) will largely continue to function as it is today. This is our commitment to the State of California.
Therefore, operational plans and strategies will be executed no differently. Simply said, today’s plans and strategies are tomorrow’s plans and strategies.”
You may see ExplorUS representatives around Fiesta de Reyes starting in October. They will be observing and speaking with team members in order to learn more about how we operate on a day to day basis.
OTFHC will inform our employees when ExplorUS plans to visit so everyone is made aware.
During this time, ExplorUS representatives plan to make themselves available to help answer any questions employees may have.
Although currently, The Cosmopolitan Restaurant is the only location that currently opens for Thanksgiving buffet, there are no plans to open Barra Barra Saloon or Casa de Reyes for these holidays at this time.
ExplorUS has no plans for major repairs at Fiesta de Reyes beyond routine maintenance, ensuring the restaurants remain open and operational. Our commitment is to maintain the vibrant atmosphere and seamless guest experience without disruptions, continuing the same standard of care as seen in past operations.
You can expect ExplorUS to maintain sick leave policies that fully comply with all California Sick Leave regulations, ensuring your well-being and peace of mind.
In the coming weeks, we will be providing a calendar of next steps for everyone in this process. That will include specific dates when ExplorUS leaders will be on property to meet with all employees. You should also expect to see a website where you can go for additional information, contact information for ExplorUS HR professionals, and a regular communication throughout the process.
