orthern Hospitality Group is a multifaceted enterprise that embodies local pride and sustainable growth. The company was founded in 2005 outside Denali National Park and Preserve with a distinct mission: to share Alaska’s authentic beauty and culture with the world. Since then, its corporate umbrella has expanded considerably to include a hotel, three restaurant brands, and a beverage manufacturing facility. Now headquartered in Anchorage, Northern Hospitality Group operates twelve separate entities in Alaska, employing around 750 people annually.

“Our goal was to build a hospitality company—not an individual location,” says CEO David McCarthy, who honed his hospitality expertise in Chicago. “We wanted to create an Alaska-based company that would become iconic and loved by both locals and visitors.”

Indeed, the company’s iconic brands unite locals and global travelers to enjoy experiences unique to Alaska. Denali Crow’s Nest Cabins features handcrafted log interiors and rustic alpine furnishings. 49th State Brewing combines awardwinning beer, a menu of freshly sourced food, and distinctive meeting spaces. Prospector’s Pizzeria & Ale House serves craft pizza with toppings like elk, salmon, and Alaskan king crab and has won the Great American Beer Bar competition six times. Additionally, Alaska Pacific Beverage Company produces award-winning beer, Frontier Alaska Soda, and Arctic Roots Cider.

Northern Hospitality Group prioritizes sustainability and local partnerships. Instead of relying solely on external suppliers, it collaborates with local producers to source ingredients and products. The company advocates preserving farmland and developing a network of long-term, sustainable food production processes. For example, it offers yak meat on its menus, working closely with ranchers and processing plants to ensure the entire animal is utilized. Furthermore, the company leverages the buyin of local businesses, which ultimately become marketers of its brands.

Perhaps the most crucial element of Northern Hospitality Group’s success is a strong corporate culture, including its vision to share Alaska with the world, the design of its restaurants and menus, and even the ambiance of its strategically located manufacturing facility. “The overall culture is what’s moved us forward; it is what will continue to push us forward for another seven generations,” says CFO Kimberley O’Connor, who grew up in Alaska.

Northern Hospitality Group recently built a new microbiology and chemistry laboratory in Anchorage, allowing for in-house quality assurance and control of its beverage manufacturing. In April, it is launching 49th State Brewing @ the Rail, an intimate pub and event space with Nordic inspired design that looks into the production facility. And in May, tAKo Alaskan Cantina will bring Alaska-Mex cuisine to Denali, incorporating local ingredients into dishes like sockeye salmon tacos with tomatillo and wild blueberry salsa.

The company is steadfast in its commitment to promoting sustainable pract ices, local partnerships, and the authenticity of Alaska. “We want Northern Hospitality Group to symbolize trust in the marketplace and the adventurous spirit of Alaska,” McCarthy says. “Our goal is to build a hundred-year company that continues to grow and thrive, showcasing the best of Alaska to the world.”