Gary Thirkell, President of Crown American Hotels, made the announcement at a dinner held April 6th at the company's Wyndham Garden Hotel RTP-RDU Airport.  In attendance were Michael Barletta, Crown American Hotels's Director of Food and Beverage and the hotel's General Manager Lisa Castagna and Executive Chef Travis Hedgepath, Crown American Hotels' 2000 Chef of the Year.

Mr. Mendell was recognized for achieving revenue objectives and providing high quality of product and services.  As Food and Beverage Director of the Year, Mr. Mendell was presented with a crystal trophy and other gifts.

Also, Mr. Robert Leahy has been named 2001 Chef of the Year.  Mr. Leahy is the Executive Chef at the company's Holiday Inn Downtown, 250 Market Street, Johnstown, Pennsylvania.  This is the fifth year that Crown American Hotels has made this recognition among its 19 Executive Chefs.

Gary Thirkell, President of Crown American Hotels, made the announcement at a luncheon held April 16th at the company's Holiday Inn Downtown.  In attendance were Michael Barletta, Crown American Hotels's Director of Food and Beverage, Chef Joe Resick Corporate Chef and the hotel's General Manager Sam Phillips and Food and Beverage Director Gary Carl.  

Mr. Leahy was recognized for achieving revenue objectives, providing high quality of product and services, and involvement in community and industry activities.  He has been with Crown American Hotels for the past three years.  As Chef of the Year, Mr. Leahy was presented with a crystal trophy and other gifts. 

Crown American Hotels currently owns and operates 27 hotels in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.