Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2026
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Detroit Restaurant & Lodging Association Introduces Three New Board Members
Three new board members bring generational restaurant expertise and global luxury hotel leadership to advance DRLA’s mission
(DETROIT, Mich.) – Detroit Restaurant & Lodging Association (DRLA) today announced three new board members have been appointed: Yanni Dionisopoulos, founder of Yiamas Hospitality Group; Jacob Dondzila, General Manager of Shinola Hotel Detroit; and Chef Omar Mitchell, Executive Chef of Table No. 2.
Yanni Dionisopoulos, a second-generation Greek American, is the co-owner of Golden Fleece, Detroit’s oldest continuously operating Greek restaurant and one of Greektown’s most recognizable landmarks. The restaurant has been in his family for generations, making hospitality a lifelong endeavor for Dionisopoulos.
“My experience in hospitality is driven by a simple philosophy: preserve tradition, embrace innovation, and create places where people feel like family,” said Dionisopoulos. “Each of the members of this board have their own way of leading, and I’m excited to incorporate our ideas and bring our guidance to the Detroit hospitality industry.”
Jacob Dondzila, a metro-Detroit native, brings over 15 years of experience in the global luxury hospitality industry. His career has taken him to some of the world’s most iconic properties, spanning Waldorf Astoria, Ritz-Carlton, and more. His appointment is a proud professional and personal milestone, as it serves as an opportunity to accelerate Detroit’s resurgence through one of the city’s most prominent hospitality icons.
“At Shinola Hotel, we continually strive to elevate service, guest experience, community engagement and our position within the market,” said Dondzila. “I’m honored to share my experience and expertise with the DRLA Board.”
Chef Omar Mitchell is a Detroit-born restaurateur and chef with over 35 years of experience. His signature restaurant concepts, Table No. 2 and Lina Chef’s Table, have been recognized with prestigious awards, such as a high recommendation from the Michelin Guide and rated in the Top 5 Best New Restaurants by Macarfi in 2026. He has also been featured on Food Network’s Chopped and operates multiple food concepts within Ford Field.
“Pushing culinary boundaries is at the forefront of what I do, and Detroit has never been the place to stay inside the cookie-cutter mold. By using global inspiration for local dishes and creating memorable, emotional dining experiences, I want to leave a lasting impact with the DRLA that sets up other members of our industry for success,” Mitchell said.
“These three leaders exemplify the exact type of person that DRLA members would want to represent them,” said Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Their commitment to Michigan’s hospitality industry strikes us all as some of the best in the business, and I look forward to collaborating with Yanni, Jacob and Omar.”
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 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org.
About the Detroit Restaurant & Lodging Association
The Detroit Restaurant & Lodging Association, which is part of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, represents the local interests of the hospitality industry that employs more than 17,000 people and generates approximately $1 billion in sales in Detroit. It provides owners and operators in the Tri-County area with access to member benefit programs, valuable industry connections, political and community representation and support for initiatives that will best impact member businesses. For more information, visit www.detroitrla.org.
Yanni Dionisopoulos, a second-generation Greek American, is the co-owner of Golden Fleece, Detroit’s oldest continuously operating Greek restaurant and one of Greektown’s most recognizable landmarks. The restaurant has been in his family for generations, making hospitality a lifelong endeavor for Dionisopoulos.
“My experience in hospitality is driven by a simple philosophy: preserve tradition, embrace innovation, and create places where people feel like family,” said Dionisopoulos. “Each of the members of this board have their own way of leading, and I’m excited to incorporate our ideas and bring our guidance to the Detroit hospitality industry.”
Jacob Dondzila, a metro-Detroit native, brings over 15 years of experience in the global luxury hospitality industry. His career has taken him to some of the world’s most iconic properties, spanning Waldorf Astoria, Ritz-Carlton, and more. His appointment is a proud professional and personal milestone, as it serves as an opportunity to accelerate Detroit’s resurgence through one of the city’s most prominent hospitality icons.
“At Shinola Hotel, we continually strive to elevate service, guest experience, community engagement and our position within the market,” said Dondzila. “I’m honored to share my experience and expertise with the DRLA Board.”
Chef Omar Mitchell is a Detroit-born restaurateur and chef with over 35 years of experience. His signature restaurant concepts, Table No. 2 and Lina Chef’s Table, have been recognized with prestigious awards, such as a high recommendation from the Michelin Guide and rated in the Top 5 Best New Restaurants by Macarfi in 2026. He has also been featured on Food Network’s Chopped and operates multiple food concepts within Ford Field.
“Pushing culinary boundaries is at the forefront of what I do, and Detroit has never been the place to stay inside the cookie-cutter mold. By using global inspiration for local dishes and creating memorable, emotional dining experiences, I want to leave a lasting impact with the DRLA that sets up other members of our industry for success,” Mitchell said.
“These three leaders exemplify the exact type of person that DRLA members would want to represent them,” said Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Their commitment to Michigan’s hospitality industry strikes us all as some of the best in the business, and I look forward to collaborating with Yanni, Jacob and Omar.”
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 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org.
About the Detroit Restaurant & Lodging Association
The Detroit Restaurant & Lodging Association, which is part of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, represents the local interests of the hospitality industry that employs more than 17,000 people and generates approximately $1 billion in sales in Detroit. It provides owners and operators in the Tri-County area with access to member benefit programs, valuable industry connections, political and community representation and support for initiatives that will best impact member businesses. For more information, visit www.detroitrla.org.
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