Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2024
Media Contacts:
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association and the Michigan Hospitality Foundation Welcome New Cohort of Board Members
The state's leading hospitality organizations welcome the valuable leadership of six new board members to the MRLA Board of Directors and two new board members to the MHF Board of Directors.
The state's leading hospitality organizations welcome the valuable leadership of six new board members to the MRLA Board of Directors and two new board members to the MHF Board of Directors.
LANSING, MICH. – The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) has announced the appointment of six new board members: Justin Dalenberg of Grand River Brewery (Jackson), Jennifer Julien of Braveworks (Houghton), Ann Kelly of Lodgco Hospitality (Grand Rapids), Grace Keros of American Coney Island (Detroit), Lisa Plonka of Plante Moran (Macomb) and Anthony Tomey of Tomey Group LLC (Farmington Hills).
Each new member brings a unique perspective and desire to lead the organization and support its mission. The announcement was made today by MRLA President & CEO Justin Winslow.
“As highly experienced leaders in Michigan’s hospitality industry, these talented individuals will bring a new energy and exciting range of skills to the MRLA Board of Directors,” said Winslow. “From sub sandwiches to tax strategies, boutique hotels to beloved coney dogs, happy hour to hotel management, Houghton to Macomb, their diversified knowledge of Michigan’s hospitality industry and ability to navigate its complexities will help drive strategic growth and success for our association and the hospitality industry overall.”
The Michigan Hospitality Foundation (MHF) also announced the appointment of two new members to the Board of Directors: Martha Zehnder Kaczynski of Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge (Frankenmuth) and Jennifer King of Crystal Mountain (Thompsonville).
These members bring expertise and experience commensurate with a lifelong commitment to Michigan’s hospitality industry, adding a wealth of knowledge to the MHF’s leadership. The announcement was made by the MHF Executive Director Amanda Smith.
“As the driver of several of the state’s leading hospitality training programs, the Michigan Hospitality Foundation has a vision to ins and to equip the next generation of industry professionals,” said Smith. “We are beyond grateful to work with these hospitality trailblazers to create even more pathways to success in this opportunity-filled industry.”
Justin Dalenberg is the owner and operator of Grand River Brewery, Bakery, and Commissary Kitchen, which has six different locations. He is also the owner of two Doll n Burger’s locations, Manchester Meat Company, three grocery stores, and two other restaurants. With over 28 years of industry experience, Dalenberg has learned from industry greats like Zingerman’s Community of Businesses and Amway Hotel Corporation, and he’s become skilled in cultural leadership development, financial planning systems management, and business planning. When he is not helping businesses grow, he is spending time with his wife Roberta and their four children – along with their two dogs, calico cat, and Tennessee Walking Horse, Gypsy.
Jennifer Julien is an engineer turned real estate leader and rising hotelier from the Upper Peninsula. With a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in environmental from Michigan Tech, Julien ended up leaving her engineering career to pursue opportunities in real estate with her husband – and found a passion for hospitality along the way. Now, she and her husband, Jon Julien, own and operate thriving businesses in downtown Houghton, including the Hampton Inn & Suites and Observatory Lounge, Citrus Salon, Braveworks, LJJ Construction, The Elements, and Juliens Properties. Their latest venture, The Vault Hotel, was a renovation of the historic Houghton National Bank Building and recently made the Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 15 Hotels in the Midwest. Julien is the proud mother of two daughters.
Martha Zehnder Kaczynski, CMP started working at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge when she was ten years old. Now the Vice President of that same iconic restaurant, Kaczynski also works as the President and Owner of the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, assists management at two retail stores, Frank’s Muth and the Covered Bridge Shop, and serves on the Board of Directors and the management team for Bavarian Inn, Inc, with oversight responsibilities for all operations. She also serves on the boards of several local organizations, and she currently lives in Frankenmuth with her husband and son.
Ann Kelly is the Chief Executive Officer at Lodgco Hospitality, a Michigan-based hotel management company operating businesses across the state, as well as several in California and Florida. In the 24 years and counting she’s worked with Lodgco Hospitality, Kelly has captained the company thorough many phases of growth and acquisition, and as CEO, Kelly works to define and articulate Lodgco’s vision, as well as strategies to ensure its long-term financial success. A graduate of Central Michigan University, with an MBA from Northwood University, Kelly is also very passionate about issues impacting women and children. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
Grace Keros is a third-generation co-owner of Detroit’s famous American Coney Island restaurant, which was founded in 1917 by Greek immigrant Gus Keros. Keros took over the family business in 1990, and through her own unique combination of business acumen, promotional foresight, and more than a little bit of moxie, she grew American Coney Island from a single-store operation to what is now a nationwide distribution company with multiple restaurant locations and a charitable fundraising machine. At the same time, she has elevated her family’s signature. —the Coney Dog—to national prominence as an award-winning American comfort food icon. Grace grew up in Okemos and currently resides in West Bloomfield Township.
Jennifer King found her passion for hospitality at age 14 working in a local ice cream parlor. Her career has brought her to Michigan's' finest and most storied hotels, including Mission Point Resort and the Grand Hotel, and she worked her way up from her first job as a front desk clerk to her current role as the Senior Vice President of Human Resorces at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan. King proudly calls northern Michigan home and resides with her husband, her family, and 3 rescue dogs.
Lisa Plonka is a partner with 25 years of experience with Plante Moran and an impressive history of steering restaurants, hospitality and franchise clients towards success. As the leader of the firm’s consumer goods and services practice, she brings a personal touch to her consultation, offering her clients creative strategies for growth as well as expert guidance on financial reporting, and she goes above and beyond to keep her clients informed on industry trends, aware of best practices, and equipped to finetune operations all year long. Plonka is also a member of the International Franchise Association, the AICPA and the MICPA. She received her accounting degree from Western Michigan University.
Anthony Tomey was a minor league pitcher with a Detroit Tigers affiliate before he went all-in on his family’s hospitality business. Tomey is the CEO of The Tomey Group, working with his father, uncle, brother, sister, brother-in-law, leading over 650 employees, and running 45 Jimmy John’s locations across Michigan. However, Tomey just kept swinging and co-founded the Born in Detroit apparel brand and 8 Mile Vodka, which has won international awards and scored partnerships with the Detroit Pistons, Meijer, and MDen Detroit.
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
About the Michigan Hospitality Foundation
The Michigan Hospitality Foundation seeks to enhance the hospitality industry's service to the public through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities. The MHF also prepares high school students for the challenges of a career in restaurants and foodservice through ProStart, a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and the industry. ProStart students learn vital kitchen skills, including food safety and knife cuts, and important management lessons, such as menu development and marketing. For more information, visit https://www.mihf.org.
Each new member brings a unique perspective and desire to lead the organization and support its mission. The announcement was made today by MRLA President & CEO Justin Winslow.
“As highly experienced leaders in Michigan’s hospitality industry, these talented individuals will bring a new energy and exciting range of skills to the MRLA Board of Directors,” said Winslow. “From sub sandwiches to tax strategies, boutique hotels to beloved coney dogs, happy hour to hotel management, Houghton to Macomb, their diversified knowledge of Michigan’s hospitality industry and ability to navigate its complexities will help drive strategic growth and success for our association and the hospitality industry overall.”
The Michigan Hospitality Foundation (MHF) also announced the appointment of two new members to the Board of Directors: Martha Zehnder Kaczynski of Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Lodge (Frankenmuth) and Jennifer King of Crystal Mountain (Thompsonville).
These members bring expertise and experience commensurate with a lifelong commitment to Michigan’s hospitality industry, adding a wealth of knowledge to the MHF’s leadership. The announcement was made by the MHF Executive Director Amanda Smith.
“As the driver of several of the state’s leading hospitality training programs, the Michigan Hospitality Foundation has a vision to ins and to equip the next generation of industry professionals,” said Smith. “We are beyond grateful to work with these hospitality trailblazers to create even more pathways to success in this opportunity-filled industry.”
Justin Dalenberg is the owner and operator of Grand River Brewery, Bakery, and Commissary Kitchen, which has six different locations. He is also the owner of two Doll n Burger’s locations, Manchester Meat Company, three grocery stores, and two other restaurants. With over 28 years of industry experience, Dalenberg has learned from industry greats like Zingerman’s Community of Businesses and Amway Hotel Corporation, and he’s become skilled in cultural leadership development, financial planning systems management, and business planning. When he is not helping businesses grow, he is spending time with his wife Roberta and their four children – along with their two dogs, calico cat, and Tennessee Walking Horse, Gypsy.
Jennifer Julien is an engineer turned real estate leader and rising hotelier from the Upper Peninsula. With a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in environmental from Michigan Tech, Julien ended up leaving her engineering career to pursue opportunities in real estate with her husband – and found a passion for hospitality along the way. Now, she and her husband, Jon Julien, own and operate thriving businesses in downtown Houghton, including the Hampton Inn & Suites and Observatory Lounge, Citrus Salon, Braveworks, LJJ Construction, The Elements, and Juliens Properties. Their latest venture, The Vault Hotel, was a renovation of the historic Houghton National Bank Building and recently made the Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 15 Hotels in the Midwest. Julien is the proud mother of two daughters.
Martha Zehnder Kaczynski, CMP started working at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge when she was ten years old. Now the Vice President of that same iconic restaurant, Kaczynski also works as the President and Owner of the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, assists management at two retail stores, Frank’s Muth and the Covered Bridge Shop, and serves on the Board of Directors and the management team for Bavarian Inn, Inc, with oversight responsibilities for all operations. She also serves on the boards of several local organizations, and she currently lives in Frankenmuth with her husband and son.
Ann Kelly is the Chief Executive Officer at Lodgco Hospitality, a Michigan-based hotel management company operating businesses across the state, as well as several in California and Florida. In the 24 years and counting she’s worked with Lodgco Hospitality, Kelly has captained the company thorough many phases of growth and acquisition, and as CEO, Kelly works to define and articulate Lodgco’s vision, as well as strategies to ensure its long-term financial success. A graduate of Central Michigan University, with an MBA from Northwood University, Kelly is also very passionate about issues impacting women and children. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
Grace Keros is a third-generation co-owner of Detroit’s famous American Coney Island restaurant, which was founded in 1917 by Greek immigrant Gus Keros. Keros took over the family business in 1990, and through her own unique combination of business acumen, promotional foresight, and more than a little bit of moxie, she grew American Coney Island from a single-store operation to what is now a nationwide distribution company with multiple restaurant locations and a charitable fundraising machine. At the same time, she has elevated her family’s signature. —the Coney Dog—to national prominence as an award-winning American comfort food icon. Grace grew up in Okemos and currently resides in West Bloomfield Township.
Jennifer King found her passion for hospitality at age 14 working in a local ice cream parlor. Her career has brought her to Michigan's' finest and most storied hotels, including Mission Point Resort and the Grand Hotel, and she worked her way up from her first job as a front desk clerk to her current role as the Senior Vice President of Human Resorces at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan. King proudly calls northern Michigan home and resides with her husband, her family, and 3 rescue dogs.
Lisa Plonka is a partner with 25 years of experience with Plante Moran and an impressive history of steering restaurants, hospitality and franchise clients towards success. As the leader of the firm’s consumer goods and services practice, she brings a personal touch to her consultation, offering her clients creative strategies for growth as well as expert guidance on financial reporting, and she goes above and beyond to keep her clients informed on industry trends, aware of best practices, and equipped to finetune operations all year long. Plonka is also a member of the International Franchise Association, the AICPA and the MICPA. She received her accounting degree from Western Michigan University.
Anthony Tomey was a minor league pitcher with a Detroit Tigers affiliate before he went all-in on his family’s hospitality business. Tomey is the CEO of The Tomey Group, working with his father, uncle, brother, sister, brother-in-law, leading over 650 employees, and running 45 Jimmy John’s locations across Michigan. However, Tomey just kept swinging and co-founded the Born in Detroit apparel brand and 8 Mile Vodka, which has won international awards and scored partnerships with the Detroit Pistons, Meijer, and MDen Detroit.
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
About the Michigan Hospitality Foundation
The Michigan Hospitality Foundation seeks to enhance the hospitality industry's service to the public through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities. The MHF also prepares high school students for the challenges of a career in restaurants and foodservice through ProStart, a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and the industry. ProStart students learn vital kitchen skills, including food safety and knife cuts, and important management lessons, such as menu development and marketing. For more information, visit https://www.mihf.org.
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