Durango Casino & Resort Continues to Elevate its Food & Beverage Program with the
Appointment of Three New Culinary Executives
Director of Food & Beverage Ryan Hink, Lead Mixologist David Bonatesta and Assistant Resort Executive Chef Aaron Losch Join Culinary Leadership Team
Durango Casino & Resort, a luxury resort set to debut in southwest Las Vegas in late 2023, is pleased to announce the appointments of three culinary and beverage stars to elevate the property’s overall guest experience. Director of Food & Beverage Ryan Hink, Lead Mixologist David Bonatesta and Assistant Resort Executive Chef Aaron Losch have joined the team, bringing a wealth of gastronomic experience and knowledge to Las Vegas’ newest casino and resort.
When Durango Casino & Resort opens in late 2023, it will be home to a diverse collection of signature restaurants, Eat Your Heart Out, an elevated food hall featuring eclectic cuisines and a lively communal dining experience alongside a mix of vibrant casino bars and lounges. Joining the food and beverage leadership team are:
Ryan Hink, Director of Food & Beverage
With a vast knowledge of the hospitality industry and over a decade of leadership experience within the Las Vegas hotel and restaurant market, Ryan Hink will contribute to the success and development of Durango Casino & Resort’s numerous food and beverage destinations and partner outlets, including Eat Your Heart Out,, Summer House, and other signature restaurants including the property’s steakhouse and FINE Entertainment’s venue. Before joining the Durango team, Hink served as director of food & beverage at New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Park MGM and NoMad, MGM Grand Las Vegas, and Aria Resort & Casino, among others.
David Bonatesta, Lead Mixologist
With over a decade of industry experience, David Bonatesta brings local and regional expertise to Durango Casino & Resort as the lead mixologist. Bonatesta will drive the cocktail program with a unique perspective that reflects the unique spirit of the property while incorporating its desert inspiration and sense of place. He joins the team from his previous roles at NoMad Las Vegas, barmini and minibar by José Andrés and, most recently, Lev Group where he served as beverage director for Harlo Steakhouse & Bar, La Strega and Al Solito Posto. Bonatesta also served as head bartender at NoMad Los Angeles and Eleven Madison Park’s Summer House in the Hamptons, overseeing the development of new menus, specials, and day-to-day operations.
Aaron Losch, Assistant Resort Executive Chef
Aaron Losch brings over two decades of culinary knowledge to his new role as Assistant Executive Chef at Durango Casino & Resort supporting resort Executive Chef Danny Ye. With a passion for food, his storied career as a culinary leader includes a variety of local roles, previously serving as director of culinary operations at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino where he oversaw the property’s 13 restaurants, three production kitchens and nine hotel amenity locations, and corporate executive chef at Alex Stratta Restaurant Group. Prior to joining Durango, Losch served in roles as executive chef at The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas and T-Bones Chophouse at Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa.
The signature restaurant collection will feature acclaimed operators including Clique Hospitality managing the Bel-Aire Lounge and Bel-Aire Backyard and Mijo Modern Mexican restaurant, FINE Entertainment will introduce an upscale sports lounge and entertainment venue, and Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants will unveil Summer House, a coastal grill concept. The resort will also introduce a signature steakhouse, led by the property’s Executive Chef Danny Ye and his talented culinary team. Additionally, the luxury resort will debut Eat Your Heart Out, a dynamic food hall spanning 25,000 square feet. The eatery will be home to enticing culinary offerings from new-to-market concepts including Los Angeles staple Irv’s Burgers, New York’s Prince Street Pizza and the Hawaii Street Food staple Ai Pono Café, as well as local favorites such as Shang Artisan Noodle, Yu Or Mi Sushi and more.
For more information on Durango Casino & Resort, please visit www.durangoresort.com or follow on social media at
