North Point Hospitality Group, Inc. is pleased to announce industry veteran, Felton Clark, as their 2017 Executive of the Year. Felton first joined the company in February 2002 and has since served in many roles to include his current position as General Manager of the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Lumberton, NC.
Northwood Hospitality is pleased to announce the appointment of Raj Radke as General Manager of The Ballantyne. In this new role, Radke will oversee ongoing performance, daily operations and continued revenue growth for the luxury hotel located in a thriving business community.
AC Hotels by Marriott® has announced the opening of AC Hotel Chapel Hill Downtown, aEuropean-inspired, frictionless, elegant hotel for the modern traveler. Notable as the first Marriott-branded modular constructionproject on the East Coast, the property also plays a pivotal role in the revitalization of Chapel Hill"s central business district.The 4-story, 123-key hotel is nestled in the heart of Chapel Hill – adjacent to the town"s social district and just around the cornerfrom the University of North Carolina – adding distinctly Southern elements to the AC brand"s European vibe. Its contemporaryfaçade complements surrounding downtown structures, both commercial and residential, mixing modern architecture and localaccents to capture the character of this historic college community.
Renowned hotel brand and management company Dream Hotel Group appoints Hans Luther as General Manager for Unscripted Durham, the first location for its newest lifestyle brand and hospitality concept Unscripted Hotels.
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has opened its first boutique hotel in Charlotte. Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel is located at the corner of Third and Church Streets in the Queen City. From its three-story glass lobby to the expansive views from its rooftop lounge and event space, the 18-story Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel is set in the midst of a vibrant activity center anchored by Romare Bearden Park and BB&T Ballpark. The boutique hotel presents a fluid façade evoking the contours of the 5.4-acre urban park.
BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named Tom Garcia vice president and general manager of High Hampton Inn & Country Club. A Benchmark Resort & Hotels property, the legendary resort is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Cashiers, North Carolina. Greg Champion, Benchmark’s president & COO, made the announcement. A longtime Benchmark executive, Tom Garcia has held several senior leadership positions with Benchmark. These include serving as vice president and general manager of Eaglewood Resort & Spa in Chicago, serving as vice president of operations for the company’s Midwest properties, as vice president food & beverage, and taking on special task force assignments guiding new properties within Benchmark’s brand portfolios. Previous to joining Benchmark, Mr. Garcia was vice president and regional manager for Noble House Hotels & Resorts. He has held senior leadership positions at landmark hotels and resorts for leading hospitality brands within the United States and the Caribbean, including in Dallas, Houston, Lake Tahoe, Phoenix, Aruba and Grand Cayman. Tom Garcia received his Bachelor of Science degrees in both Accounting and Management Information Systems from California State University. He has previously served in leadership roles for the Dallas and Houston Convention and Visitors Bureaus, the Hotel Association of Dallas and Downtown Dallas. He is relocating to Cashiers.
BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has added High Hampton Inn & Country Clubto its Benchmark Resorts & Hotels brand portfolio. The historic and storied property is located in Cashiers, North Carolina, nestled in the foothills of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.
Noble Investment Group has opened the StateView Hotel in the heart of North Carolina State University's Centennial Campus. The hotel provides an innovative, vibrant guest experience driven by state-of-the-art technology, interactive spaces and the spirit of the N.C. State Wolfpack. The hotel's university roots evoke both a sense of honoring the past and a collaborative, advanced look toward the future. Located on the serene setting of the shores of Lake Raleigh, the StateView provides an unmatched outdoor experience surrounded by a protected forest and walking trails, combining to create a guest experience unlike anything else in Raleigh.
Zaplox AB, a market innovator of advanced mobile key services for the global hospitality industry, today announced the appointment of Chris Clement as Vice President Sales, North America. The recent addition represents an important step for Zaplox in implementing its growth plans for the U.S. market, which were announced earlier this year. Clement is joining the Zaplox team, effective October 10, 2017.
Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company has announced the appointment of John Henry as General Manager of Cambria hotel & suites in Durham, N.C. The 33-year-old local landmark was acquired in 2015 and went through an $8 million renovation. It reopened as the Cambria Durham in April.
Following a $19.5 million dollar revitalization, the 1960s icon formerly known as the Jack Tar Motor Lodge now boasts 74 well-appointed guest rooms and five inspired food and beverage venues, including a spacious rooftop pool deck and lounge, offering a series of engaging weekly events and activations. Maintaining much of its original architecture and design, accented by bright colors and custom murals, each space is full of distinct character, just like the city of Durham.
The MRK Hotel Collection announces the grand opening of The Ivey's Hotel in Uptown, Charlotte. The newly rebranded MRK Hotel Collection is a group of luxury, boutique hotels, each featuring their own unique character and design, while keeping today's world traveler at the forefront of its offerings. The Ivey's Hotel features 42 luxury guestrooms, a cocktail lounge, private meeting and event space and a Library Lounge exclusive to guests of the hotel.
The Holiday Inn Charlotte University Place, located just north of Center City and right on I-85, is pleased to announce the promotion of Sam Lucas to General Manager of the Property, effective immediately.Sam began his career in hospitality during college, where he obtained an internship with the Walt Disney World College Program. During his internship, Sam studied Disney’s culture and worked full time at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Resort, where he learned the importance of going above and beyond for every guest. After completing his internship, Sam earned a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Chippewa Valley Technical College.
Marriott International, Inc.® (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced the opening of Four Points Raleigh North, the brand"s first property in Raleigh and fifth in the state. Catering to the needs of today"s everyday traveler, the hotel offers approachable design, stylish comfort and all the brand"s popular extras including the 24-hour fitness center, business center, fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and Best Brews & BBQ.
Today the Omni Charlotte Hotel, an iconic property located in the heart of the city"s financial district, on the corner of South College and East Trade Streets, announced plans for a $26 million transformation that will completely reimagine the hotel into a contemporary lifestyle destination.
Jami graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in Public Relations. Prior to entering the hospitality industry, she held positions in industries such as marketing, event management, sponsorship procurement and restaurant management. Before moving into the Director of Sales and Marketing position, Jami gained experience working in a variety of roles at the Holiday Inn Charlotte Center City, including positions in Catering and Business Travel Sales.
Edgerton is no newcomer to the hospitality world and brings over a decade of industry experience to her new post at The Cardinal. Edgerton worked at The Charleston Marriott for 10 years, quickly rising in ranks from Executive Meeting Manager to her most recently held position, the Director of Corporate and Group Sales. In this previous role, she spearheaded the property’s sales strategy to grow group and business transient revenue, leading a full sales team to achieve production and budget goals. Prior to her role at The Charleston Marriott, Edgerton also gained valuable experience at The Sanctuary and Kiawah Island Golf Resort as a Conference Concierge where she worked closely with small, short-lead groups and provided support for meeting planners. Edgerton boasts a long list of accolades including a 2012 JHM President’s Council Member Award and a 2012 JHM Sales Culture Leader Award, preceded by a string of notable recognitions from Meetings Professionals International, the Society of Government Meeting Planners, the Religious Conference Management Association, The Junior League of Charleston and the Special Events Committee for St. John’s. Edgerton graduated with bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Spanish from the College of Charleston. The Kimpton Cardinal debuted in late April 2016 in the majestic R.J. Reynolds building, centrally located in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem. The hotel features 174 guest rooms, including 15 suites, an expansive fitness center and adult recreation room, a distinctive neighborhood restaurant and bar in The Katharine, and more than 6,300-square-feet of meeting and event spaces.
The Carolina Inn, A Destination Hotel is delighted to welcome culinary visionary, Brandon Sharp, as its NEW Executive Chef of their signature restaurant, Crossroads Chapel Hill. Sharp, a North Carolina native and Tar Heel Alum, returns to his southern roots to command the kitchen operations for the restaurant, banquet and in-room dining programs. Beginning today, and ahead of a complete menu refresh slated for winter 2017, Sharp will invite diners to experience new weekly dishes that preserve the restaurant’s sophisticated southern style while fusing international flavor combinations. Chef Sharp returns to N.C. bringing more than fifteen years of fine dining experience to The Carolina Inn, after a recent decision to leave Solage Calistoga Resort and Spa in Calistoga, CA. It was at Solage Calistoga where Chef received his first Michelin Star for the locally inspired Solbar, and under his guidance and creative leadership, Solbar went on to receive seven consecutive Michelin Stars throughout his tenure. Before his decorated career at Solbar, Chef honed his skills working with some of the nation’s most innovative and talented culinary minds, including Thomas Keller, John Besh and Gary Danko. At the outset of his training, Sharp worked in kitchens of the Michelin-rated Restaurant Gary Danko in San Francisco, CA, the highly revered Restaurant August in New Orleans and at the iconic, three Michelin star French Laundry in Yountville, CA. Under his new role, the proud UNC Chapel Hill and Culinary Institute of America alum is committed to establishing Crossroads Chapel Hill as the preferred culinary destination both in the Triangle and in the Great State of North Carolina. “The opportunity to make my mark in a kitchen that I have a personal connection to is surreal,” said Chef Brandon Sharp. “I can’t stop thinking about all of the new things I’d like to incorporate into our menus that will feel familiar to guests, but will offer unexpected textures, flavors and presentations.” When Brandon Sharp isn’t helming the kitchen at The Carolina Inn, this two-time Ironman competitor is training for his next race or spending time with his three children and wife at home. To learn more about The Carolina Inn and receive the latest updates on Chef Sharp’s gastronomic offerings at Crossroads Chapel Hill, visit: http://www.carolinainn.com/
The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte hasappointed Jana Powers as spa director. With 19 years of experience in spa, wellness and hospitalityoperations management, Powers has a strong skillset in employee development, revenue generation andcreation of spa menus and wellness programs. As spa director, Powers will oversee and manage all facetsof spa operations, as well as continually work to develop and enhance the overall guest experience at TheSpa at Ballantyne.
The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C. announces the appointment of Christopher Levine as director of sales. Levine joins the Omni Hotels & Resorts family following 13 years of success in sales with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. Most recently, Levine served as director of sales and marketing at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina in Cambridge, Md.