Yamashiro

I launched Boulevard Hospitality Group in Hollywood, evolving from managing nightclubs to operating sophisticated restaurants like Yamashiro. Now, with 15 restaurants, including sports bars and a cantina, we’re expanding to Miami, Las Vegas and Hawaii. Our business thrives on creating memorable guest experiences, which means we need a banking partner equally committed to service. In the cash-heavy hospitality industry, where fraud and rapid transactions are critical, responsiveness and trust make all the difference.

Since joining 1st Century Bank earlier this year, we’ve found that partner. My Relationship Manager, Lyndsey Hudgins, and her team deliver exceptional high-touch service, swiftly addressing issues like fraud with a single call, streamlining wire transfers and deposits through their online banking platform, and even saving us time with courier services for cash pickups. Their personal approach and attention to detail feel like an extension of our own hospitality philosophy and align with our customer-first mindset.

At 1st Century, relationship banking isn’t a slogan, it’s how they operate. They understand our business, anticipate our needs and treat us like a true partner. This frees us to focus on crafting unforgettable experiences and scaling our concepts, confident in a bank that grows with us.

— Freddy Braidi, OWNER