[LOS ANGELES, September 2024] — HQ Hotels & Residences, the newly launched lifestyle hospitality brand spearheaded by sbe Chairman & CEO, Sam Nazarian, has appointed Mike Metcalf as President of HQ Hotels.
With over 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Metcalf joins the HQ Hotels team from Crescent Hotels & Resorts, where he served as COO, Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President, Operations and Vice President Business Development over his 18 years with Crescent. Throughout his tenure he had a strong focus on the company’s expansion and development. As VP of Business Development the company purchased 8 hotels in 18 months and he was instrumental in the portfolio growing from 28 hotels to more than 110. As COO, Metcalf had a strong priority on operational excellence, property financial performance and client relationships. Metcalf had direct oversight of full service hotels, premium focused service hotels and premium golf resorts. Crescent currently comprises over 110 hotels across the USA, Canada and the Caribbean.
Metcalf’s pedigree in the hospitality world is vast, including many years spent as General Manager of the original Delta Orlando, an 900-room hotel at Universal Studios; as well as General Manager of the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida – ahead of Crescent being hired to manage the property. Similarly, he has spent 15 years with ITT Sheraton with positions in operations, sales & marketing, finance and corporate staffing across the US and Canada, with an additional six years consulting across multiple projects in Hawaii, LA, New York, Florida and the Caribbean handling bank workouts, asset management and underwriting loans.
Sam Nazarian, Chairman & CEO of sbe said, “Mike joins HQ Hotels at a pivotal stage of its launch ahead of the first HQ hotel openings in Montreux, Switzerland and Detroit, Michigan. His extensive background in hospitality at every level and his business acumen makes him the ideal choice for HQ and we are delighted to have him at the brand’s helm.”
Mike Metcalf, President of HQ Hotels adds, “As the HQ brand launches globally, my focus will be to source new deals, develop brand standards, and ensure we deliver on the HQ brand promise to guests, employees and owners alike. We’re creating a unique and global hotel experience specifically targeting Gen Z and Millennial travelers. In particular, we see the savvy Latin American travel demographic as integral. With a major portion of the brand experience driven by activations conceptualized at our bars and restaurants, our hotels will be known for their entertainment value with iconic F&B partners including Disruptive Restaurant Group (DRG), and the largest premium quick service restaurant brand Everybody Eats.”
HQ Hotels & Residences is set to become a leader in the hospitality industry through its focus on innovation, sophistication, and a unique blend of cultural and smart lifestyle elements. In partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the vision is to create desirable destinations that cater to the evolving needs of modern travelers who seek memorable experiences and connectivity. HQ has strategic investment from entertainment icon and entrepreneur, Marc Anthony and his company Magnus, allowing the brand to connect with the most sought-after audiences.
In collaboration with top chefs and culinary visionaries, HQ will offer exclusive dining experiences that merge innovative gastronomy with traditional flavors. The restaurants will provide guests with a journey through exquisite tastes and exceptional service. sbe has a storied history of bringing innovative new culinary concepts to life. In its next phase of growth, sbe’s Disruptive Restaurant Group will create more cutting-edge dining experiences through owned and managed restaurants through partnerships with modern culinary icons including Chef Katsuya Uechi, Chef Dani Garcia, Chef Wes Avila and many more. Additionally, and the largest premium QSR brand and digital food company, Everybody Eats will continue to drive connectivity with the most sought after audiences such as Millennials, Gen-Z and Latin communities through partnerships like TOMA, a brand developed in collaboration with world-renowned actress Sofia Vergara and her son, Manolo Vergara. As nightlife has always been an sbe signature, it will remain a focus for HQ. Through strategic alliances with leading entertainment brands, HQ will provide vibrant nightlife and entertainment options.
