Restaurateur John Wise has joined Marcus Hotels & Resorts as VP of food and beverage operations.
In that role, the Lettuce Entertain You and Bartolotta Restaurants veteran is responsible for the 40 eating and drinking places located within Marcus’ 16 hotels, along with the properties’ banquet and catering operations.
Wise’s mission, according to Marcus, is to upgrade the operations while pursuing the company’s goal of positioning its restaurants as local hot spots as well as a convenience for lodging guests.
“In John, we are adding a proven and innovative restaurateur who has the creativity, energy and experience to elevate our food and beverage program and build an independent restaurant and bar culture,” Andrew Flack, Marcus Hotels’ chief commercial operator, said in a prepared statement. “We are thrilled to welcome him to our team.”
Wise reports directly to Flack.
He previously spent 27 years with Bartolotta, an operator of nine restaurants in the Milwaukee area. Among its better-known restaurants are Bacchus and Downtown Kitchen. His positions there included director of operations and managing partner.
Earlier, he logged 13 years with Lettuce, Rich Melman’s well-known Chicago-based collection of multiple concepts, including Shaw’s and Mon Ami Gabi.
Marcus said that Wise has opened more than 80 restaurants during his career.
Marcus Hotels is a division of The Marcus Corp., a hospitality and entertainment company that also operates movie theaters.
John Wise / Photo courtesy of Marcus Hotels
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