AAHOA President & CEO Cecil P. Staton to Step Down
ATLANTA – Cecil P. Staton will be stepping down as president and of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). According to an AAHOA press release, Staton will continue to work with AAHOA’s leadership to ensure an effective transition and the success of ongoing projects and relationships as a consultant to AAHOA leadership.
“On behalf of America’s hoteliers, we thank Cecil for his service to AAHOA,” said Biran Patel, AAHOA chairman. “For more than a year, hoteliers faced immense pressure as the COVID-19 pandemic brought a period of decade-long prosperity to a grinding halt. Cecil proved to be a steady hand, leading and guiding the association to record member engagement through this turbulent year. His leadership in the development of our Strategic Plan will have a lasting, positive impact upon the association.”
“I’m grateful to have led this organization through one of the hardest times in our industry’s and association’s history through our concentrated efforts related to COVID-19 support and relief and for making a difference in the lives of so many hoteliers,” Staton said. “AAHOA has the most dedicated team with whom I’ve had the privilege to work, and I’ve been impressed with their commitment to excellence from the moment I joined this great organization. Our work to develop AAHOA’s new Strategic Plan holds the promise to propel the association forward toward its fullest potential.”
AAHOA Executive Vice President & COO Rachel Humphrey announced that she also will be exiting the association effective August 7. “Over 20 years ago, Rachel began working with AAHOA by providing franchisees with legal advice,” Patel said. “In 2015, she became part of AAHOA’s Executive Leadership Team as the VP of Franchise Relations before rising to become EVP and COO. She also served as Interim President & CEO for most of 2019, including leading the association during AAHOA’s record-breaking 30th-anniversary celebration at the 2019 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show in San Diego. Rachel’s dedication to AAHOA and her impact on franchise and industry relations and association operations have helped us achieve a new level of success over the past six years. On behalf of the AAHOA membership and our Board, I thank her for her selfless dedication to serving AAHOA.”
“It’s been a privilege to serve America’s hotel owners and, more specifically, AAHOA’s nearly 20,000 members over the last six years,” Humphrey said. “I’m incredibly proud of AAHOA’s critical role in the industry today and the team I have served alongside. I know AAHOA will continue its successful trajectory of being the foremost resource and advocate for America’s hotel owners and look forward to seeing everyone in Dallas.”
New InterContinental Hotel for San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO – Scarlett Hotel Group (SHG) has purchased the former Wyndham San Antonio River Walk, located at 111 East Pecan Street in San Antonio, as part of a joint venture with Trailbreak Partners. The new owners have closed the property to begin implementing plans for a $50 million overhaul of the hotel which will be transformed to a luxury, full-service, four-star, 390-room InterContinental hotel in early 2023
“Turning this property into a luxury hotel is an amazing opportunity for us to contribute to the city of San Antonio,” said Zio Pekovic, principal and co-founder of SHG. “San Antonio has been ranked within the top three cities for conferences for many years,[i] and we’re proud to bring a luxury hotel brand like InterContinental into the central business district, minutes from the Henry B. González Convention Center.”
Former Wyndham San Antonio River Walk to become an InterContinental hotel in early 2023
“San Antonio continues to be a leading city for conferences. Meeting and conference planners looking at convention locations for 2023 and beyond will have a brand new, high-end lodging option in San Antonio right on the River Walk,” added Jordan Scharg, principal at Trailbreak Partners.
Hotel Background and Future Plans
Located on the San Antonio River Walk in the heart of downtown, the hotel originally opened as an office building in 1958. The 21-story structure sits adjacent to the Weston Centre, and includes a rooftop pool with downtown views as well as direct access to the River Walk and river taxi.
The $50 million renovation will include 40,000 square feet of meeting space, enhanced food and beverage options, nearly 3,000 square feet of dining/restaurant space, and luxury rooftop amenities.
The new hotel will be the only InterContinental hotel in San Antonio, catering to the city’s strong convention and business travel market, as well as expanding its presence in the high-end leisure market. With a legacy of luxury built over 75 years, the InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts brand makes travel alluring, each property connecting well-travelled guests to what’s special about a destination. Guests enjoy the brand’s signature VIP services through a dedicated InterContinental® Ambassador programme and an exclusive Club InterContinental® experience.
More information about the hotel’s development, architectural, and food and beverage plans will be available as work begins within the next several months. Inquiries about the hotel can be sent to [email protected].
Hopes High For Revitalizing Restaurant & Hospitality Industry
NEW YORK – The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) hosted a virtual bi-coastal commencement for its New York City and Los Angeles campuses on Saturday, June 12. The ceremony celebrated 1,275 graduates entering the hospitality industry from the school’s 2019-2021 classes on both coasts, including from ICE’s diploma programs in Culinary Arts, Pastry & Baking Arts, Health-Supportive Culinary Arts, Restaurant & Culinary Management, and Hospitality & Hotel Management. ICE’s honorary speakers were Gail Simmons and Matt Hyland, both Culinary Arts graduates of the school, who inspired fellow alumni with their experiences in food media and owning and operating a restaurant group, respectively.
“After a trying year for our industry, our commencement coincided with a clear rebirth for America’s restaurants and we are thrilled that once again our graduates have a wide array of opportunities as they enter the industry,” said ICE CEO Rick Smilow. “Coming out of the pandemic, it’s clear that there is a shortage of culinary and management talent across the nation, and our motivated graduates can be part of the solution to help take on the challenges of our bourgeoning industry.”
Matt Hyland, chef and owner of Emily and Emmy Squared, with 14 locations on the East Coast, discussed the industry’s need for new leaders, like ICE’s graduates, saying: “As summer approaches there is a bright side to this grim story. The streets are full of excited people ready to dine again. New leaders are ready to take over an industry that so desperately needs new blood. A fresh start is not only required but also exciting. This is the beginning of the renaissance for restaurants. New culture, new ideas, new cuisines, and most importantly new leaders like yourselves.”