Oct. 27–Holiday Inn French Quarter in Perrysburg Township announced Friday it will close in the spring.
The New Orleans-themed hotel has been open for more than 50 years and will close because of changes in the marketplace and with the Holiday Inn brand, according to a news release. The hotel with French Quarter-inspired decor opened in April, 1967.
General Manager Brenda Fey said in the news release that the hotel was a popular spot for weddings, family trips, conferences, live entertainment, and the Toledo-area favorite Betty's salad.
"We have enjoyed being part of your family traditions and the countless happy memories created here through multiple generations," she said. "We're sincerely grateful for all the personal and business friendships we've enjoyed over these last 50 years. The loyalty of our guests and staff is amazing and makes it hard to say good-bye."
Bennett Enterprises owns the French Quarter along with other hotels, a large Frisch's Big Boy franchise operation, and the home-grown Ralphie's Sports Eatery restaurant chain. President Rob Armstrong said in a statement to The Blade: "The Holiday Inn French Quarter has been a strong presence in Northwest Ohio and we will have a strong finish."
He added 10 new hotels and more than 1,000 new hotel rooms have entered the Perrsyburg market in recent years
"The French Quarter has remained strong in the group and leisure segments but has seen the transient and business sectors decline. Our careful evaluation of branding with another hotel chain clearly revealed that selling the property was the proper route," he said. "We are unable to comment on any future plans for the property at this time."
Walt Celley, Perrysburg Township administrator, said while the land is zoned for commercial use and regulated by the township, it is private property and its future use would be up to the owners.
"We do collect a hotel-motel tax," he said, which the township would cease to get when the business closes.
But he didn't think losing that tax would be a big hit to the township. The township would continue to collect property taxes on the site, he said.
Mr. Armstrong called Bennett Enterprise "a family organization" that will do its best to take care of employees. The majority of staff will remain at the hotel through it's closing, and the company will work to place employees at other Bennett locations or neighboring hotels in the same market.
"We will be taking a few victory laps in the coming months and look forward to hosting guests who over the years have had great memories created at our hotel, having enjoyed a major life event, a great meal or great stay.
"We believe we will be serving a lot of Betty's salad in the coming months," he said of the iconic local dish made with mixed greens, diced eggs, bacon, bean sprouts, and the classic Betty's Dressing.
Special events to celebrate the hotel are in the works. Details will posted on the Holiday Inn French Quarter Facebook page and HIFQ.com.
Staff writer Kate Snyder contributed to this report.
Guidelines: Please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Comments that violate these standards, or our privacy statement or visitor's agreement, are subject to being removed and commenters are subject to being banned. To post comments, you must be a registered user on toledoblade.com. To find out more, please visit the FAQ.
