Led by its President and CEO, Nick Di Donato, Liberty Entertainment Group has been redefining Toronto’s nightlife, restaurants, and special event experience for over three decades. As the creator of several iconic establishments, Liberty Entertainment Group has established itself as one of the most innovative and successful businesses in the hospitality and entertainment sector, enjoying continual development and attracting continuous media attention. It continues to gain success and acknowledgment for developing an impressive roster of unique venues, including Toronto’s premier special event facilities, Casa Loma, and Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex. Liberty Group is also responsible for developing Toronto’s most prolific restaurants, including BlueBlood Steakhouse, Don Alfonso 1890, Xango, and three Cibo Wine Bar locations, as well as Toronto’s vibrant nightlife space, Arcane.
“Our mission has always been to establish Toronto as a destination on a global platform in the culinary world.”- Nick explained. “We’re proud of our many achievements and international awards, and most recently, are celebrating the inaugural MICHELIN awards, landing in Toronto. We’re honored to have been recognized with a star for Don Alfonso, 1890 Toronto. We continue to strive to develop unique venues that elevate our city in the international arena.”
The Steadfast Leader
Throughout his childhood, Nick worked in his father’s restaurants, from busboy to waiter to bartender- both front and back of the house. Later while attending university, he started working in the food and beverages industry to make money and help pay for his education. After completing his education, Nick joined Imperial Oil as a Construction Project Manager, but he longed to be back in the food and beverages industry. Eventually, in 1986 Nick partnered with his brother, Pat Di Donato, to start their first restaurant, which soon became a success by catering to hockey fans who were missing out on the live action at nearby Mapel Leaf Gardens.
“The desire to be independent and do what I enjoyed and was good at drove me to start the Liberty Entertainment Group in the F&B and hospitality industry.”– He recalled.
After two successful years, both were ready to launch another restaurant, and Nick was in a conundrum as working full-time and having several part-time restaurants is difficult. So, he left engineering to become the President and CEO of Liberty Entertainment Group. This decision led to the creation of a second restaurant and the Toronto-based entertainment empire that exists today.
Supporting Employees in Their Career Growth
Liberty Entertainment Group strives to hire a team that celebrates Nick’s passion and excitement for the hospitality industry and shares the vision and commitment to service excellence. The hospitality industry never sleeps; therefore, Liberty ensures that its employees have a proper work-life balance and is dedicated to supporting them in their professional development and personal growth. The organization is immensely proud of its team and believes that they share in its successes. It is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free work environment, recruitment, and selection process.
Liberty Entertainment Group is an equal employment opportunity employer that values diversity within the workplace. It is committed to providing a supportive workplace that promotes and supports stress reduction and mental health and a workplace free of violence, harassment, bullying, and discrimination, as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Looking at the Future
Liberty Entertainment Group’s goal has always been to be recognized globally as the best in its field in Canada and worldwide.
“We’re honored to continue to enjoy local and international accolades for our properties — for our venue design, the quality of our food and beverage offerings, our impeccable staff, our events, and our unparalleled service.”- Nick said. “We hope to continue our growth without losing sight of excellence. We want to strive to raise the bar for hospitality – both for our city and country — on the international stage.”
“The Liberty Entertainment Group is committed to achieving excellence for the hospitality industry, both in Canada and on a global platform. We are both proud and honored to be recognized as one of the fastest-growing food & beverage companies to follow in 2022 and look forward to continuing the momentum to achieve our vision to be a leader in the global culinary world.”