Benchmark Hospitality International has announced the appointment of Robert Zappatelli as vice president of food & beverage.
He is the first executive to hold this newly created position at Benchmark, and the appointment represents a promotion for him. Sam Haigh, president and chief operations officer, made the announcement
"It is with great enthusiasm that we announce the promotion of Bob Zappetelli to vice president," stated Mr. Haigh. "Bob is a tremendous asset to our company, to our development and growth, and we are thrilled to recognize him with this appointment as vice president of food & beverage, a new position at Benchmark."
Mr. Zappatelli previously held the dual roles of general manager for The Founders Inn, a 240-guestroom property located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and of corporate food & beverage director for Benchmark Hospitality, overseeing 30 properties for the company. Under Zappatelli's tenure as general manager, The Founders Inn enjoyed one of its strongest periods of financial performance. Zappatelli also led an expansion program for hotel.
Before becoming general manager, Bob Zappatelli served as director of operations for The Founders Inn, responsible for property-wide operations. He originally joined the Inn as executive chef.
Previous positions held within the Benchmark organization include serving as executive chef and director of food & beverage for The Council House, an exclusive international conference center for SC Johnson, a Family Company, and Wingspread, a private conference center for the Johnson Foundation. Both properties are located in Racine, Wisconsin.
Mr. Zappatelli has also exercised his entrepreneurial skills by owning and operating Zappas, a restaurant located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is the recipient of numerous culinary gold medals and has been named "Chef of the Year" by the American Culinary Institute. He and his wife are relocating to The Woodlands.
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