Changing expectations by guests, employees and owners guided industry veteran Bob Habeeb in establishing a new Chicago-based operator, Maverick Hotels & Restaurants.
Habeeb, who resigned as CEO of Rosemont, Illinois-based First Hospitality Group at the end of last year, this week is formally launching his startup. Maverick’s first project is the seven-story, 222-room Curio Collection by Hilton that broke ground in July. The hotel will feature an expansive rooftop bar and guestroom views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
The new company has an additional four signed hotel development deals: two in Chicago, one in that city’s suburbs and one in Indiana, Habeeb said in an interview. Another four projects are in the pipeline; all are a mixture of select-service and boutique hotels.
“I had a burning desire to start my own firm,” Habeeb said. “I’m an entrepreneur at heart.”
Maverick’s initial projects came through word of mouth, but Habeeb said he’s open to projects outside the Midwest. “At O’Hare you can catch a nonstop to anywhere,” he said. The company is focusing on acquisition and third-party management of existing hotels, and also is offering advisory services.
The changing nature of the market made this year an optimal time to move ahead, he said. “Customers increasingly prefer full-service hotels,” particularly those with food and beverage options, he said. “Millennials want a place to congregate.”
The 10,000-square-foot covered portion of the rooftop bar at Navy Pier will open early next year, to be followed by a 20,000-square-foot open space. The hotel portion is to be completed by the first quarter of 2020.
The project dates to 2016 and was handled by Habeeb at First Hospitality Group (FHG). Habeeb negotiated terms with FHG owner Stephen Schwartz to bring the project to Maverick.
Habeeb expects room rates in the range of US$300 a night. The hotel will complement Festival Hall, the 170,000-square-foot exhibition space at Navy Pier. Overall, the property will dedicate 50,000 square feet to F&B. “It’s not luxury, but guests want a unique experience,” Habeeb said. “They want to feel like they’ve been somewhere.”
Expectations are changing on other fronts. Owners are under economic pressure and demand a robust bottom line, he said. Employees want a good work-life balance and a collaborative workplace. The Maverick office in Chicago’s South Loop is casual and employees are free to work from home, he added.
F&B operations are headed by Robert Amick, an award-winning restaurant veteran. Lynn Mucciano, an executive with 20 years’ experience in hospitality, serves as vice president of strategy, sales and marketing.
Habeeb spent 21 years with FHG, which has developed and operated franchised hotels for Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IGH and other brands. Previously, he served as COO of the U.S. resort subsidiary of London’s Rank Group.
