NoMad chef says Sydell stiffed him US$2M: Chef Daniel Humm says boutique hotel operator Sydell Group has stiffed him out of almost $US2 million after he agreed to give up control of the food and beverage operations at its NoMad hotels in New York and Los Angeles. Humm, the owner of Eleven Madison Park restaurant, said in a lawsuit filed in New York state court that the company agreed to pay him US$1.89 million in February 2020 to resolve a dispute. Sydell called the lawsuit baseless and inaccurate in almost all respects.
Gordon Ramsay in Malaysia: Sunway Resort, the flagship of Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, will partner with Gordon Ramsay Restaurants to open the chef’s first restaurant in Malaysia. Scheduled to open in June 2021, it will be the signature dining destination at Sunway Resort in Kuala Lumpur. The Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill will have all-day dining, including afternoon tea and cocktail hours. There will also be opportunities for private dining.
Sonder’s new executives: San Francisco hospitality startup Sonder hired three executives as it looks to grow its hybrid hotel offerings in the new year, particularly in North American markets. Sanjay Banker, who joined Sonder as chief financial officer in 2019, was named president and will keep his responsibilities as CFO. Satyen Pandya, formerly a vice president of engineering at Flexport and WeWork and technology lead for Amazon pickup stores, was appointed the company’s first chief technology officer. Sonder also tapped Christian Hempell as vice president of market operations for North America, promoting him from his role leading market development throughout the southern U.S.
More from the San Francisco Business Times
25Hours Hotel Sydney: Accor, in a joint venture with Sydney developer Central Element and property investor Boston Global, will partner on Sydney’s first 25Hours hotel, set to open at the end of 2022. Two interior design companies will work on the project — Hong Kong-based A Work of Substance, which will design the rooms, public areas and events spaces, and Sydney-based interior designers Acme & Co, which will work on the hotel’s rooftop bar, restaurant and café offerings.
Cheval Lexham Gardens: Cheval Collection, a luxury hospitality company currently with serviced apartments across London and Edinburgh, is expanding in London. Starting in spring 2021, Cheval Collection will add a property consisting of 30 apartments at Cheval Lexham Gardens. This follows Cheval’s expansion into Edinburgh, which took place in July 2020. The all-apartment residence, which consists of fully equipped one- or two-bedroom apartments, will be available to book for any length of stay.
Aimbridge adds Hilton Boston/Woburn: Dallas, Texas-based Aimbridge Hospitality has been selected to manage the 344-room Hilton Boston/Woburn, owned by a partnership between Rubicon Cos. and The Davis Cos. The property has over 11,600 square feet of event space and 13 meeting rooms, including a ballroom for business meetings, events, and weddings. The on-site restaurant, Matadora, serves steak and Spanish tapas.
Rosewood Rome: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will manage Rosewood Rome, a new ultra-luxury hotel set to open in 2023. Extending an entire block, the 157-room hotel will encompass three historic buildings initially constructed in the early 1900’s. The property’s transformation will be led by architecture and engineering firm Jacobs and by interior design firm Bar Studio. The property will have three dining outlets, as well as a rooftop spa, and a modern Roman bathhouse located in the bank’s original underground vault.
Conrad in the Middle East, Florida: Hilton luxury brand Conrad will make its full residential debut in the Middle East with the signing of an agreement to open Conrad Residences Bahrain Financial Harbour in 2022. The property will be part of Bahrain Financial Harbour, a commercial waterfront development located on the northern shore of Manama. Additionally, the Conrad brand announced that the Florida-based 433-key Conrad Orlando will be part of the Evermore Orlando Resort redevelopment. A grand opening is expected in summer 2023.