FOR RELEASE:

February 10th 2007

LEONARD NAKONECHNY NEW FOOD & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR FOR OPUS HOTEL & ELIXIR

Top Rated Industry Professional Poised to Heighten Innovation and Excellence at Vancouver�s Premier Boutique Hotel and Bistro Moderne.

(Vancouver, B.C.) � Leonard Nakonechny, one of Vancouver�s most highly respected service professionals, will take charge of food and beverage operations at Yaletown�s internationally acclaimed Opus Hotel & Elixir bistro moderne as of February 19th 2007.

With a proven track record that includes over a decade of industry experience both locally and overseas in prestigious properties in the Grand Cayman Islands, Nakonechny has demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills that have earned him high praise from critics and diners alike.

"Nakonechny is one of our top industry guys," reports restaurant critic Andrew Morrison on his Urban Diner website. "He�s diplomatic and exacting, and frankly, I�m finding it tricky to think of anyone else who exemplifies the best of what we do in Vancouver�s FOH (front of house)." He goes on to say of Nanonechny�s new appointment to Opus, "Leonard, really, is so good at what he does (training and adhering to service protocols most of all) that the more he�s able to make an impact across our city, the better off our restaurant community will be."

Nakonechny himself also attributes "thinking outside the box" as a key ingredient to recent successful initiatives that he spearheaded while managing at Vancouver�s C and Nu restaurants such as the partnerships formed with Ballet BC and Langara College�s Acting School. "Both had huge impacts on the service," he says, adding, "I also have some exciting new ideas which I will be incorporating into Opus Hotel and Elixir."

Of his move to Opus from five years at C and Nu restaurants he surmises, "I felt that it was an opportunity to grow my career. I have always believed that it is important to stay fresh in this industry and I�m really looking forward to working with the Opus team based on the achievements they have made since opening."

And certainly the feelings are reciprocated. "The Opus team is thrilled to be welcoming Leonard," says General Manager Daniel Craig. "His commitment to service excellence combined with the widely praised talents of Chef Don Letendre will help to firmly establish Elixir as one of the top restaurants in the city."

In addition to his commitment to exceeding service expectations and managing all aspects of food and beverage in his new appointment, Leonard is currently working on a book called "Shift Thinking," a management tool for industry professionals. He also continues to sit on the Board of Directors of the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association as its Provincial Director, a position he has held since 2002.

Uniquely stylish and always fresh, Opus Hotel redefines the boutique experience, blending contemporary design with warmth and intuitive service. Located in fashionable Yaletown, the hotel is home to the award winning bistro moderne Elixir and the dramatic Opus Bar. Opus was recently voted one of the world�s top 100 hotels by readers of Cond� Nast Traveler magazine and Opus Bar was named "Vancouver�s Most Popular Nightspot" by Zagat Guide 2006. For information and reservations call toll-free 1 866 642-6787.

Head Shot & Interviews Leonard Nakonechny Available on Request.

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