Purveyors of Amazing: Ken Allen

Managing Partner of Truluck’s in Naples, Florida, is all about creating once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Ken Allen, managing partner of Truluck’s in Naples, Florida, grew up working in the hospitality industry. But it was when the traveled the world after obtaining a degree in behavioral science that he grew a strong appreciation for the industry.

“It helped me get a deeper understanding of different cultures, cuisines and exquisite hospitality,” he says.

Allen eventually started working with Landry’s Restaurant Management Group as a front of house manager and catapulted his career from there. “I worked my way through the ranks of chef, bar manager, general manager and director, finally ending as a regional vice president for 15 years. I oversaw four concepts, 5,000-plus employees, 34 restaurants and over $250 million in revenue,” he says.

In February 2023, Allen embarked on a new chapter and brought his wide-ranging, illustrious expertise to Truluck’s.

“I love the philosophies and constitution of Truluck’s. It builds framework for leadership and helps cultivate the relationships between the staff members, which translates to an unbelievable guest experience that focuses on all the little details,” he says.

And for Allen, as he learned on his travels, that’s what hospitality is all about: the people. “I love putting smiles on guests’ faces and going that extra mile to exceed their expectations, making and having memorable experiences with people in my wake,” he says.

A favorite recent memory includes doing just that, providing the ultimate romantic experience for a once-in-a-lifetime moment. When a guest contacted Allen about proposing during a romantic dinner at Truluck’s, he mapped out several scenarios to surprise the guest’s girlfriend—and hopefully fiancée.

“We came up with the idea that he and his girlfriend would start their dining experience in the main dining room. After dinner, he proposed, and she said yes! As planned, I came over to congratulate them and asked if I could seat them in a more private area of our restaurant. Little did she know, the gentleman and I transformed one of our private dining rooms into a romantic haven with flowers, balloons, rose petals, pictures, chocolates and more,” he says. “We served the happy couple dessert, and she had tears in her eyes. It was a moment we all will never forget.”

Make your own memories at Truluck’s. Reserve a table today. Your table is waiting.