The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, June 2011 … Benchmark Hospitality International has appointed Fekade A. Wolde director of food & beverage for the elegant Hotel Granduca.  The luxurious property, inspired by Italy’s Tuscany region, is located in Houston’s Galleria-Uptown area and across from Uptown Park’s European-style shopping village.  Mary Grace Gray, Benchmark’s general manager at Hotel Granduca, made the announcement.
 
“I am delighted to welcome Fekade to our hotel,” said Ms. Gray.  “He is a remarkable food & beverage professional who has earned high honors for his extraordinary capabilities and leadership.  He is also knowledgeable of the Houston dining scene and brings this to our hotel and Ristorante Cavour.”
 
Mr. Wolde comes to Hotel Granduca having most recently served as the director of food & beverage for the Four-Diamond Omni Houston Hotel at Westside.  He has previously served in several food & beverage positions at four and five star properties throughout the Houston market.
 
During his years of service, Fekade Wolde has won the respect of his peers, as demonstrated by the numerous awards he has received.  These include the "Manager of the Year" and "Manager of the Quarter" awards, and he was selected by executive management to be a Moments of Service trainer, implementing high-quality service programs at properties nationwide.  He is the past recipient of Customer Satisfaction Awards and the Hospitality on Parade Food & Beverage Award of Excellence.
 
Fekade Wolde graduated from Nairobi School of Business in Nairobi, Kenya, with an Associate's degree in Communications. He is a member of Houston’s Food and Beverage Directors Association. Mr. Wolde and his family reside in Katy, Texas.
 
About Hotel Granduca  
Considered one of Houston’s premier, luxury boutique hotels, and the only Leading Hotels of the World property in Texas, the Forbes Four Star Hotel Granduca is majestically situated in the heart of Houston’s Uptown Park and Galleria district.  Built in 2006, and offering 122 luxuriously appointed accommodations and suites, Hotel Granduca also features the award-winning Ristorante Cavour, more than 4,500 square feet of exclusive function space, Bar Malatesta, a sparkling pool with private cabanas and lushly landscaped verandas and courtyards.  For information or reservations, call 1-888-472-6382, or contact your travel professional.  Visit online at www.granducahouston.com.  Hotel Granduca is operated by Benchmark Hospitality International.

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and the Personal Luxury Collection℠.  The independent company, launched in 1980, is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston. Benchmark Hospitality is also a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  The company's eastern regional office is in New Jersey, western regional office is in Washington, with international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark's properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.