News for the Hospitality Executive |
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn.
(September 2012) – The new Minneapolis
Marriott Northwest
(formerly the Northland Inn) today announced
additions to its executive team, including a new executive chef,
director of
catering, events manager and event planner.
According to General Manager Mike Brunkow, the new team is helping lead the transition as the all-suite hotel moves to become a cornerstone property in the Marriott Hotels family. The hotel, located in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park, Minn., recently completed a $24 million renovation before becoming the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest in July. “We sought the best of the best as we built our new leadership for the hotel,” said Brunkow. “Our new executive team is second to none with depth of experience, proven success and a dedication to make the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest the best conference hotel in the Midwest.” The new executive team is on the front line to lead the hotel as it reclaims its position as one of the most sought-after conference hotels in the region. With more than 50,000 square feet of meeting space, the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest is one of the largest meetings hotels in Minnesota. The facility hosts more than 800 events annually for local and national corporations and associations, community organizations and family events, such as weddings. The hotel has space and capabilities for handling events for up to 850 guests. Award-winning
Executive Chef Michael Harper
Leads Food and Beverage Operations New Executive Chef Michael Harper leads all food and beverage operations, including the hotel’s conference and banqueting operations and two full-service restaurants. Harper most recently served as executive chef at the Lexington, one of St. Paul’s oldest and most traditional restaurants. He also spent nearly a decade as corporate executive chef for Wildside Caterers, the food service provider for Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Regarded as one of the finest arenas in the world, Xcel Energy Center is home to the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and annually hosts a multitude of premier sports and entertainment events. Harper has garnered numerous recognitions over the years, including being recognized as one of the top 25 chefs in the Twin Cities in 2008. Director
of
Catering, Wendy Gustafson
Years of Proven Success As director of catering, Wendy Gustafson provides leadership and guidance to the hotel’s catering and events team. Gustafson and her team are responsible for selling the hotel conference and banqueting rooms, planning corporate and association events, individual receptions, weddings and social celebrations. She brings more than 20 years of catering experience to the position, having worked at a number of Twin Cities hotels. Most recently she served as director of catering and special events at the Sofitel Minneapolis Hotel where she led the catering department to its highest grossing revenues since the hotel’s opening in 1976. Allen
Plante, Events Manager
More than 20 Years of Experience Allen Plante, events manager, brings more than 20 years of hotel operations experience to his position. He has managed multi-million dollar hotel operations and provided leadership that resulted in record-setting profitability and service recognition. Plante spent more than 15 years in the Radisson hotel organization, working at hotels in St. Paul and Bloomington, Minn. As events manager, Plante has overall responsibility for the more than 800 events held annually at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest, including working with clients and suppliers, overseeing staff and catering requirements, and ensuring that all events run smoothly and exceed client expectations. Lisa
Medici,
Experienced Event Planner
As event planner at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest, Lisa Medici assists clients to ensure success for the more than 800 events that take place at the hotel each year. Medici has worked in the hospitality industry in the Twin Cities for more than 15 years, including holding management positions at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, the Medina Golf & Country Club and the Wayzata Country Club. Prior to joining the Marriott team, she worked for Unitron Hearing where she successfully coordinated more than 400 local and regional trainings, conventions and trade shows during her tenure. About the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest Conveniently situated at the intersection of Interstate 94 and Boone Avenue, the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest is just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. The hotel has 230 two-room and three-room suites featuring some of the most spacious guestrooms in the Upper Midwest. |
Media
Contact:
Kristi Arndt,
Peridot Group Email: [email protected] Phone: 763-782-0265, Cell: 612-803-0861 |