The Menhaden, a boutique hotel in Greenport, N.Y., managed by Meyer Jabara Hotels, has earned a MICHELIN Key for the third consecutive year. The hotel on Long Island’s North Fork was first recognized in 2024.
General Manager Mario Corrado said the third Key means more than the first. “When MICHELIN introduced its Key distinction for hotels in 2024, I remember thinking, ‘I would do anything to be on this list,’” said Corrado. “The first Key told us we had built something special. The second and third Keys tell us our team delivers it every day, for every guest, in every season. To me, holding the Key three years in a row is about consistency, and consistency comes from people.”
Most associates have been with the property throughout all three years of recognition. Each spring, the hotel closes temporarily for a seasonal refresh, and associates take part in several days of refresher training and cultural education.
Eric Churchill, chief operating officer of Meyer Jabara Hotels, said the recognition reflects the company’s commitment to empowering associates through its Journey culture.“Receiving a MICHELIN Key is an extraordinary achievement but earning that distinction three consecutive years speaks to something much deeper: a culture where people genuinely care about the experiences they create,” said Churchill. “Mario and his team understand that luxury isn’t simply about beautiful accommodations or exceptional amenities. It’s about anticipating needs, building personal connections, and giving associates the confidence to do something extraordinary for a guest. The Menhaden is a wonderful example of how investing in people translates into exceptional hospitality, lasting guest loyalty, and strong business performance.”
Each year since its first Key, the hotel has set a new business record. Its peak travel season has extended beyond the summer months, and more travelers are visiting Greenport and the North Fork in the shoulder seasons. Corrado said the growth reflects the international visibility associated with MICHELIN recognition and the team’s ability to turn first-time visitors into returning guests.
“The Key brings new travelers to us, and our team’s job is to make sure they come back,” he said. “We don’t treat the Key as a finish line. It’s the standard we have to earn again every year.”
Since its first Key, the hotel has refined its guest journey, upgraded in-room amenities, overhauled its technology infrastructure and added a partnership with a professional photographer for special occasions.
Recently, a guest sought help organizing a 50th birthday celebration. In one hour-long conversation, the team arranged a private rooftop rosé and oyster reception, a restaurant reservation, a birthday surprise, winery visits with transportation and a progressive happy-hour at partner restaurants.
“What could have taken this guest weeks to organize, our team accomplished in one phone call,” said Corrado. “The guest only has to show up and celebrate. We take care of everything else. That’s what personalized luxury means to us. We want our guests to spend their time making memories, not managing logistics.”
When the third Key was announced, associates acknowledged the news and returned to their guests.
“You could see the sparkle in their eyes when they heard the news,” added Corrado. “The Key matters to them, but they know the real recognition happens one stay at a time. For us, the best way to celebrate is to keep earning it. The hotel is preparing additional enhancements for 2027. Management has not released details. We have a few surprises in store for 2027, and the only way to find out what they are is to come and stay with us. I can promise that we’ll keep challenging ourselves, keep improving the guest journey, and keep making every visit to The Menhaden ‘a very special stay.’”
