El Bandido Yankee Tequila and The Chicago Hotel Collection Launch Premium Hospitality Collaboration at Ambassador Gold Coast
A new era of hospitality is brewing in Chicago—and it starts with a toast. On July 17, 2025, El Bandido Yankee Tequila and The Chicago Hotel Collection will unveil their new partnership at an exclusive launch event held inside the historic Library Bar at the Ambassador Gold Coast Hotel. The evening not only marks the beginning of a spirited collaboration, but sets the tone for the hotel’s 100th anniversary celebrations slated for 2026.
Rooted in shared Chicago heritage and bold personality, the long-term partnership pairs the ultra-premium tequila brand—co-founded by hockey icon Chris Chelios—with the boutique hotel group known for delivering immersive guest experiences across some of the city’s most distinct neighborhoods.
A Celebration of Craft, Culture, and Community
More than a traditional beverage rollout, the alliance reflects a deeper alignment between two lifestyle-driven brands. El Bandido Yankee, celebrated for its 100% natural tequila and “live boldly” ethos, finds a complementary home within The Chicago Hotel Collection’s growing portfolio of neighborhood-anchored hotels, including the Ambassador Gold Coast and Magnificent Mile properties.
Guests at these locations can now enjoy El Bandido Yankee tequila as part of their nightly perks, which include:
Three complimentary drinks per night
Daily breakfast buffet
Exclusive discounts on tours, attractions, and travel experiences—all for $99.95 per night
On-property bars will also feature a new curated cocktail menu designed by El Bandido’s award-winning national mixologist, offering hotel guests and locals an elevated way to sip Chicago’s spirit of choice.
The “Chelios Bandido Booth” and a Night to Remember
In honor of the partnership—and as a nod to the Ambassador’s storied past—the hotel will unveil a new landmark: the “Chelios Bandido Booth,” joining the ranks of the iconic Frank Sinatra Booth and Booth 1 in the Ambassador Room.
“It's about family, it’s about community, and it’s about celebrating Chicago the right way. El Bandido Yankee was built here, by people who love this city. Partnering with the Ambassador makes sense—it’s part of the city’s DNA.”
Chris Chelios, Founder of El Bandido Yankee Tequila
The July 17 launch event promises a guest list as spirited as the tequila. Hosted by Chelios himself, the celebration will include:
A private chef-led dining experience
Live DJ sets
Giveaways and surprises
Appearances from Chelios’ hockey inner circle
A Toast to the Future of Hospitality
As the Ambassador Gold Coast moves toward its 100th anniversary, this collaboration signals more than just a brand partnership—it’s a reinvigoration of Chicago’s boutique hospitality scene. With deep roots in community engagement and a shared passion for craft, both El Bandido Yankee and The Chicago Hotel Collection are setting a new standard for immersive, locally driven luxury.