Marcus Hotels Press > Hotel Management Press Releases
07.31.17 |
Designing Omaha’s First Entertainment District – The Capitol District
 Anchored by the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District, the Capitol District to bring apartments, retail, office and outdoor space to downtown Omaha. A new district is emerging in downtown Omaha. The Capitol District, a mixed-use development combining hotel, apartments, retail, office, and outdoor entertainment, will open in phases starting in August with the opening of the new premier full-service Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District.  An Iconic Hotel The building’s “wow” feature, winged corners on its south side, enable breathtaking 270-degree views of downtown Omaha’s skyline that are unique in the city. The full-service hotel features over 17,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, hospitality suites, a roof top swimming pool with bar/entertainment area, full-service restaurant and bar and extra-large fitness center. A Social Hotspot “Hotels are becoming social hubs, places to hang out before and after events, and just popular cultural hotspots in general. We wanted the design to encourage locals and visitors to mingle in a casual but sophisticated environment,” said Michelle Holmes, interior designer with LEO A DALY. Comprising three main uses – lounge, dining room, and bar – the different portions of the grand lobby spill over into each other to create a cohesive but intimate gathering space. Local materials such as brick and iron bring the warehouse style of the Old Market into a sophisticated space, according to Holmes. Wood paneling hints at Omaha’s roots, but is tailored with modern sophistication in keeping with Marriott’s midcentury-modern-inspired aesthetic. “It’s all about layering textures – marrying old and new,” added Holmes. A Dynamic Urban Hub “We wanted to create a vibrant, walkable enclave that is unlike anything else in downtown,” said Hawes. “The design invites visitors who may feel isolated in the events district to experience the real Omaha, while also creating a comfortable, active place for residents to live, work, and play.” Capitol District will be the first entertainment district in Omaha, taking advantage of a new city ordinance that allows alcoholic beverages outdoors. To complement the wide-open concept, the mixed-use design provides portals to entertainment that celebrates community use. The hotel and 218-unit Capitol District Apartments bookend the District on the east and west, each offering public-facing retail and bar spaces that spill out onto a central plaza, which is designed to serve as a modern town square. The hardscaped plaza, inspired by other great outdoor venues across the country, will have programming year-round, such as ice-skating and outdoor concerts. The buildings embrace the street at their base with strong, linear forms of masonry, glass and steel, “modern in form, but embracing the industrial heritage of the surrounding areas,” Hawes added. Development Progress Progress has been rapid on the Capitol District Apartments, set to open in July. Using a proprietary modular construction system designed and engineered by Prescient, general contractor MCL Construction was able to complete structural work on a floor per week basis to complete the building in record time. Views of the project site can also be seen live at: http://www.workzonecam.com/projects/shamrock/capitaldistrict/workzonecam. For more information about the Omaha Marriott Downtown, visit http://www.downtownomahamarriott.com/. For more information about The Capitol District Apartments, visit http://livecapitoldistrict.com. About the Capitol District About the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District The hotel is managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, a leader in the hospitality industry since 1962. Marcus Hotels & Resorts creates asset value for hotel owners through its expertise in management, development and product repositioning, including hotel food and beverage concepts developed by its Marcus Restaurant Group. For more information, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels). About Leo A Daly |
06.30.17 |
Marcus Hotels & Resorts Announces Leadership Promotions and Appointments
 Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized hotel owner and management company and division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced the promotion of Mike Swasey to senior vice president of operations. Joe Sebestyen has been named area vice president of operations and Linda Price Topp has been promoted to vice president of sales.    Swasey joined Marcus Hotels & Resorts in 2015 as area vice president of operations with more than 20 years of hospitality experience. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the division’s area vice presidents, managing directors, corporate sales, and Wisconsin Hospitality Linen Service (WHLS), as well as three of the company’s premier properties in Milwaukee and Los Angeles: The Pfister Hotel, InterContinental Milwaukee and The Garland Hotel. Prior to joining the company, Swasey served as vice president of hotel operations for Alena Hospitality, based in Orlando, Fla. His prior experience includes serving as vice president of asset management for Inland American Lodging Management, L.L.C. (now Xenia REIT) in Orlando, Fla., and serving in operations roles for B.F. Saul Company – Hospitality Group, Bethesda, Md.; Legacy Hospitality, Inc., Albuquerque, N.M.; InterContinental Hotel Group, Atlanta, Ga. and Sage Hospitality, Denver, Colo. Swasey graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah and holds a master’s degree from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He serves on the American Hotel & Lodging Association Food & Beverage Committee and is a member of HAMA (Hospitality Asset Managers Association). Sebestyen joins the company with over 20 years of experience with hotels, conference centers planning, development and operations. In his new role, he will oversee several of Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ properties nationwide, including: AC Hotel Chicago Downtown, Skirvin Hilton in Oklahoma City, Hilton Garden Inn in Houston, Texas, Westin Atlanta Perimeter North in Atlanta, Ga., Omaha Marriott Downtown in Omaha, Neb., Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, Neb., Platinum Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas and the Heidel House Resort & Spa in Green Lake, Wis. Prior to joining Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Sebestyen served at Hotel Equities, a hotel management company based in Atlanta, Ga. where he was responsible for a portfolio of 20 properties across the Midwest. He also served as a regional director with the Compass Group, where he was responsible for the oversight of eight corporate conference centers and services and oversaw integrated facility management for ExxonMobil, Merck, The World Bank, CSX and Thunderbird Executive Conference center. Sebestyen’s experience also includes serving as a regional director for Marriott International, where he contributed to the development of the company’s brand standards and balanced scorecard for sales and operations and was recognized as the Marriott General Manager of the year in 1999. His hospitality experience also includes facilitating a program on understanding conference centers within the Professional Development Program at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration. He has served as president of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) – a global organization with over 300 membership properties, where he received the Distinguished Award of Excellence in 2010. Sebestyen is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and currently serves on the Hotel and Restaurant Advisory Board at Oklahoma State University. Price Topp joined Marcus Hotels & Resorts in 1993 in a sales role at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis. She then went on to serve as the director of sales and marketing at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wis., the company’s AAA-Four Diamond hotel. She was promoted to market director, sales, marketing and revenue strategy for the Milwaukee market in 2009 responsible for Marcus’ three downtown Milwaukee properties. In her new role, she will oversee sales efforts for all 17 properties within the company’s portfolio, as well as continue to manage the company’s Milwaukee market sales team. Her extensive hospitality experience includes sales roles at La Costa Resort & Spa and Sugar Bay Plantation Resort in St. Thomas, USVI. Engagements in the travel management industry at American Express and Summit Performance Group round out her industry experience. “Mike and Linda have a deep understanding of our business and have been outstanding performers in their operations and sales roles. We are also pleased to welcome Joe to Marcus Hotels & Resorts. His extensive hospitality experience and operational expertise will be an excellent addition to our business as we continue to grow our portfolio,” said Joseph Khairallah, president and chief operating officer of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit https://media.marcushotels.com. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts # # # |
06.14.17 |
Control Announces New Corporate Director of Operations for SafeHouse Restaurant Group
Control, the clandestine organization tasked with establishing and maintaining SafeHouse Restaurants in Milwaukee and Chicago announced today that it has appointed Agent Irish Hammer, a.k.a. Sean Burke, as new corporate director of operations. In his new role as a top operative for the organization, Agent Irish Hammer will oversee operations for both secret SafeHouse locations. Agent Hammer (for short) has been working in the hospitality field as an undercover operative for more than 20 years. In 2001, Water Street Brewery Group recruited him to serve as general manager of Louise’s Trattoria. After many successful missions, he was appointed director of operations for the entire company, overseeing all locations and helping to concept and open new restaurants for the group. Following his time with Water Street Brewery Group, Agent Hammer went “rogue” and opened his own restaurant – Burke’s Lakeside – in Oconomowoc, Wis. He later sold Burke’s Lakeside, and a second restaurant, Burke’s Irish Castle, and joined La Fuente Group as Vice President of Operations before joining the clandestine SafeHouse Restaurants. “Agent Irish Hammer believes in creating a positive workplace for all operatives, whether it’s their first time seeking refuge or their hundredth,” Agent Blonde, a.k.a. Peggy Williams-Smith, senior vice president of the SafeHouse Restaurants, mentioned in a secret note. “His repertoire of spy knowledge and experience is a tremendous asset to our organization, and we are thrilled to have him join our team. Without a doubt, he will help ensure that our agents and havens create the best experience for every visiting spy, every time.” Since first opening as a secret spy haven in 1966, SafeHouse Restaurant and Bar has covertly operated in Milwaukee under the alias, International Exports Ltd., and become the premier refuge for the world’s undercover elite visiting Milwaukee. This February, SafeHouse Restaurants expanded to a second covert location in Chicago. For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com. |
06.06.17 |
Capitol ChopHouse Names Nathan Mergen as General Manager
 Nathan Mergen Capitol ChopHouse, part of the Marcus® Restaurant Group, announced today that it has named Nathan Mergen as general manager. In his new role, Mergen will oversee all aspects of the restaurant located within the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace. Mergen brings more than 15 years of experience working in top restaurants, kitchens and cellars throughout the world. Mergen served as opening general manager of New York City icon, Eataly. He also served as food and beverage manager at the Strand Hotel and was corporate director of service at Les Halles. Prior to his arrival at the Capitol ChopHouse, Mergen worked as a private chef in the Bahamas and served as director of catering and convention services for The Edgewater Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin, where he was responsible for planning and executing large group events and overall operations. “We are thrilled to have Nathan join our team. He brings a wealth of experience from some very prestigious restaurants, including both back and front of house expertise,” said Skip Harless, general manager of the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace. “The Capitol ChopHouse is committed to bringing a world-class dining experience to Madison guests, and I know that Nathan will be a great asset in providing that level of quality and service to our customers.” For more information about the Capitol ChopHouse visit www.capitolchophouse.com. About Marcus Restaurant Group # # # |
05.24.17 |
Memorial Day Getaways for Under $100 at Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ Milwaukee Properties
Who needs barbeques when you can take a vacation or stay-cation in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin for less than $100? Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ premier properties in Milwaukee – The Pfister Hotel, InterContinental Milwaukee and Hilton Milwaukee City Center – are offering a night’s stay and parking for under $100 on Memorial Day, as well as other incredible deals Memorial Day weekend. The Memorial Day promotions, which include parking at each respective property, include: The Pfister Hotel – Call 414-273-8222 to make a reservation.
InterContinental Milwaukee – Call 414-276-8666 to make a reservation.
Hilton Milwaukee City Center – Call 414-271-7250 to make a reservation.
Parking is included in cost. Rates do not include taxes and gratuity. Promotion is subject to availability. More information about each package is available at www.mkepackages.com/memorialday. For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts # # # |
05.16.17 |
Marcus® Hotels & Resorts Names Travis Martinez as Pastry Chef of The Pfister Hotel
 Milwaukee, Wis., May 16, 2017. . . .The Pfister Hotel, owned and managed by Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, today announced the appointment of Travis Martinez as executive pastry chef. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the production of all confections and chocolates within the historic downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin hotel. Martinez joins The Pfister’s premier culinary team with more than 10 years of pastry and baking experience. He has worked as a pastry chef or baker at top luxury properties and casinos throughout the United States, including Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Potawatomi Resort & Casino in Milwaukee, and Table Mountain Casino in Friant, California. Prior to coming to The Pfister Hotel, Martinez served as a pastry chef and chocolatier for JinJu Chocolates in Las Vegas, an award-winning artisan shop known for its gourmet, hand-crafted chocolates. In 2015, Martinez was also a finalist for the Food Network’s season 1 of “Cake Wars: Christmas,” where he competed with other pastry chefs and food artists from around the country to create decadent Christmas themed dessert displays. Martinez received a professional certificate in baking and pastry from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com. About The Pfister Hotel Today, The Pfister Hotel continues its tradition of gracious service and impeccable style, and has been recognized for 41 consecutive years by AAA as a Four-Diamond property. In 2017, The Pfister Hotel was ranked the No. 1 Best Milwaukee Hotel by U.S. News & World Report. This exceptional property is a member of two prestigious hotel organizations, Historic Hotels of America and Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. The Pfister Hotel is located at 424 E. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee. For more information, please visit www.thepfisterhotel.com and follow the hotel on Facebook and Twitter (@PfisterHotel). # # #
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05.11.17 |
Sara Davis-Zapata Named General Manager of the Marriott AC Hotel Chicago Downtown
 The Marriott AC Hotel Chicago Downtown, owned and managed by Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, today announced Sara Davis-Zapata has been appointed general manager. In her new role, Davis-Zapata will be responsible for all hotel operations at the 226-room property located steps from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.  Sara Davis-Zapata Prior to joining the Marriott AC Hotel Chicago Downtown, Davis-Zapata served as general manager of the Raffaello Hotel in Chicago, Ill., where she oversaw all hotel and beverage operations for the 173-room boutique property. Her previous positions at the Raffaello Hotel included serving as controller and human resources account manager, as well as working for the hotel’s management company, Crescent Heights, as a special projects coordinator. Davis-Zapata began her hospitality career at the Allerton Hotel in Chicago and Chicago’s Hard Rock Hotel. She received a bachelor’s degree in social science from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Ill. She and her family reside in Wauconda, Ill. “Sara’s strong Chicago connections and deep experience managing hotels in this popular travel market will be a great asset to the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown. Her leadership will help further advance our position as a top lifestyle hotel in Chicago,” said Joseph Khairallah, president and chief operating officer of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. Located in the heart of Chicago’s upscale shopping, dining and entertainment district, the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown offers guests European elegance and high-quality services. The stylish hotel located at 630 N. Rush Street, boasts urban, simplistic and clean designs with European aesthetics, the latest technology and communal functional spaces and innovative food and beverage programming it its AC Lounge and AC Kitchen. AC Hotel Chicago Downtown opened in June 2015 and was one of the first five AC Hotels by Marriott branded properties to open in the U.S. AC Hotel Chicago Downtown offers nearly 3,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, European style breakfast, delicious small plate dining in the evening, craft cocktails at the hotel’s signature AC Lounge, communal spaces and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property. About AC Hotels by Marriott |
05.02.17 |
150 New Jobs to Result from the Opening of the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District
Omaha’s New Premier Downtown Hotel Looking to Hire Full-time and Part-time Positions in Anticipation of July Opening
OMAHA, Neb., May 2, 2017. . . . .The soon to open premier full-service Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District, managed by Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, today announced that it is looking to hire 150 full-time and part-time positions within the next three months. Slated to open July 2017, the Omaha Marriott Downtown will be the first new full-service hotel to open in Omaha, Neb. in more than 10 years. The 333-room hotel is also projected to accommodate more than 500,000 guests each year. Within the first year of operation, guests are projected to spend more than $15 million in the local economy. “With the addition of more than 1,550 jobs during the construction phase of the project, as well as the 150 new jobs needed for future operations, the Omaha Marriott Downtown will have a significant economic impact on Omaha and the downtown area. As we near the official opening of the hotel, we are greatly looking forward to contributing to the vibrancy and success of our city,” said Steve Hilton, general manager of the Omaha Marriott Downtown. Located adjacent to the CenturyLink Arena & Convention Center and TD Ameritrade Park, the 12-story Omaha Marriott Downtown is serving as a major anchor for the $205 million Capitol District being developed by Shamrock Development, Inc. The hotel is also planned to be part of Marriott’s new design concept called “Redesigned Marriott.” As one of only 55 “Redesigned Marriott” hotels in the world, the Omaha Marriott Downtown will feature floor to ceiling windows in all its guest rooms and 13 suites with custom furnishings and dynamic cityscape views. When combined with the hotel’s 17,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, outdoor event areas, roof-top swimming pool, full-service restaurant and bar, and additional luxury amenities, the Omaha Marriott Downtown’s modern chic rooms and exceptional service will make the hotel a premier location for business meetings, weddings, weekend getaways and much more. Looking to Hire People with a “Spirit to Serve” Job Fair May 22 at Omaha Design Center The Omaha Marriott Downtown is now accepting reservations for group blocks, meetings, weddings, and individual reservations. If you would like to make an individual reservation, please call (844) 696-3779 or make a reservation online. For those interested in booking a meeting or wedding, please contact Megan Gilligan, director of sales and marketing, via phone at (531) 205-7354, or email her at megangilligan@marcushotels.com. For more information about the hotel, visit http://www.downtownomahamarriott.com/. More information on the Capitol District Development is available at http://www.capitoldistrictomaha.com. Views of the project site can also be seen live at: http://www.workzonecam.com/projects/shamrock/capitaldistrict/workzonecam. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts About the Capitol District # # #
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04.20.17 |
Give Mom the Gift of Wellness, Relaxation and Fun with a Marcus® Hotels & Resorts eGift Card Plus an Added Bonus
 The Perfect Gift for Mom is just a Convenient Click Away
Milwaukee, Wis., April 20, 2017. . . . Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized hotel owner and management company, is celebrating mothers with digital eGift Cards redeemable towards accommodations at the company’s participating hotels and resorts, dining at signature restaurants, golf and waterpark adventures and pampering at award-winning spas. Whether it’s pampering her with a pedicure at her favorite spa or gifting her a relaxing weekend getaway – showing your love for the special woman in your life just became a little easier. Customers can go to MarcusGiftCards.com, select a Mother’s Day gift card theme and amount, and send a personal eGift Card all within minutes. As an added bonus, shoppers who spend $100 in gift card purchases will receive a $20 certificate to enjoy at one of Marcus Hotels’ relaxing WELL Spas. For more information on the latest news and updates from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, please visit: https://media.marcushotels.com. About Marcus Hotels & Resorts # # #
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04.14.17 |
Wisconsin Hospitality Linen Service Names David Sobcinski General Manager and Scott Smith Director of Sales
Leading Hospitality Linen Service Positioned for Growth
Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized hotel owner and management company, today announced that its Wisconsin Hospitality Linen Service (WHLS) business unit named David Sobcinski general manager and Scott Smith director of sales. WHLS is a leading provider of commercial laundry services for hotels, restaurants and spas in the Midwest. David Sobcinski Scott Smith About Wisconsin Hospitality Linen Service In December 2016, WHLS completed a $2.3 million expansion that will enable it to double its current capacity over the next five years. The company currently processes approximately 10 million pounds of linen each year, including sheets, towels and restaurant linens, for 18 properties across the Midwest. |
