Brian Norris is president of Titan Brands Hospitality Group. Concepts: Hussong’s Mexican Cantina, Slice of Vegas Pizza Kitchen, Vinny’s Vegan Pizza and The Grand Marquee Room.
Q: What are you reading?
A: I alternate between “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff and “Multi-Unit Leadership” by Jim Sullivan, which is regularly in my reading rotation. I recently finished “Fierce Conversations” by Susan Craig Smith and “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. I also enjoy listening to books, as I spend a lot of time in the car.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant or place to take clients?
A: If I’m not entertaining at one of our Hussong’s Cantinas or Slice of Vegas Pizza Kitchen, it can vary since there are many great places. One of my favorites is Libertine Social in Mandalay Bay. It’s a fantastic gastropub with an array of shareable plates that never disappoint. My other off-Strip go-to is probably Echo & Rig. I always know I’ll have a best-in-class experience when I go there. It is on my very short list of top places off-Strip.
Q: How do you decompress after a long week?
A: For me, decompressing means fully embracing my “daddy duty” for the weekend. I cherish every moment with my 1½-year-old daughter, from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. She is such a blessing, and even though my “decompressing” time now only stretches from about 10 to 11 p.m. at night, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Q: What do you do to work out?
A: Regular workouts are a must for me. I do a lot of cardio. I enjoy running and biking to keep my mind, body and soul in sync. Working out is really my way to decompress after the workday and take my mind off things. It allows me to reset and think more clearly.
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing Southern Nevada?
A: Many challenges affect us, including water scarcity, climate change, affordable housing, transportation infrastructure and education. There is a significant need for economic diversification in the valley. Our economy heavily depends on tourism and gaming. Economic shifts, such as those observed during the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, the pullback in consumer spending, highlight the necessity to diversify and stabilize the region’s economic base. Southern Nevada is growing more rapidly each year, and we continue to fall short in meeting future industry demands and infrastructure. These challenges will require coordinated efforts from the government, the private sector and community organizations to ensure sustainable growth and development in Southern Nevada.
