MYSTIC, C.T. – March 10, 2016 – Spicer Mansion, a new ultra-luxury inn set minutes from the maritime seaport of Mystic, Connecticut, is pleased to announce the key appointments of Louis Shapazian as Innkeeper, Jennifer Backman as Executive Chef, and Charlotte Berdensey as Food & Beverage Manager, in advance of its highly anticipated May 4, 2016 opening. All three team members bring extensive luxury hospitality experience, including roles at other hotels in the Ocean House Management Collection.
Louis Shapazian joins the Spicer Mansion team with ten years of hospitality leadership experience. Most recently, Shapazian was Assistant Director of Housekeeping at the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Triple Five Star Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Previously, he held positions at the Boston Harbour Hotel; the Four Seasons in Vail, Colorado; and the Four Seasons in Las Vegas, Nevada. Shapazian graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Management from Johnson & Wales University. As Spicer Mansion’s Innkeeper, Shapazian will be responsible for the day-to-day hotel management, making sure every guest feels at home in the Mansion, and creating once-in-a-lifetime moments that guests will remember forever.
Executive Chef Jennifer Backman has 17 years of experience in some of Rhode Island’s most celebrated kitchens. Most recently, she served as Executive Chef at the Relais & Chateaux Weekapaug Inn in Weekapaug, Rhode Island. Previously, she worked as Executive Sous Chef at the Ocean House. Prior to her roles with the Ocean House Management Collection, Backman spent five years at Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island. She holds a degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University. Backman prides herself on using the freshest and finest local ingredients, and has designed six-course seasonal tasting menus for The Restaurant, Spicer Mansion’s elegant private fine dining restaurant.
Charlotte Berdensey, Spicer Mansion’s new Food & Beverage Manager, has an impressive background in both pastry arts and culinary management. Previously, she rose through the ranks at the Ocean House, and was named Restaurant Manager of Seasons restaurant in 2014. She holds an Associate Degree in Baking & Pastry Arts from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and a Bachelor of Science in Baking & Pastry Food Service Management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. As Spicer Mansion’s Food & Beverage Manager, Berdensey will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the hotel’s private restaurant and Room No. 9 Speakeasy, from comprehensive employee training to ensuring each patron is met with the highest standard of service.
“We’re thrilled to welcome such a strong leadership team to Spicer Mansion,” says owner Brian Gates of Gates Property Holdings. “Louis, Jennifer and Charlotte bring such incredible experience to the hotel, and I know guests will be delighted with the impeccable service and gourmet cuisine that they’ll enjoy with every stay.”
For more information, visit www.spicermansion.com.
