
Remington Hospitality promotes Stephen Wittman to VP of F&B
Veteran hospitality leader to drive innovation, eExpand offerings, and elevate guest experiences in Remington Hospitality.
DALLAS – Remington Hospitality, a leading hotel management company, has promoted Stephen Wittman to Vice President of Food & Beverage. In his new role, Wittman will oversee the strategic direction of Remington's F&B operations, with a focus on elevating food and beverage offerings, enhancing guest experiences, and driving revenue growth across the portfolio.
'Stephen is a key member of our leadership team. In his new role, he will continue to play an integral role in shaping our food and beverage programs and lead the vision and goals of the department across all of our properties,' said Ted Peters, Senior Vice President of Food & Beverage Operations at Remington Hospitality. 'His deep understanding of our brand, commitment to excellence, and passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences make him the perfect fit to take our F&B strategy to the next level.'
Wittman has spent over a decade shaping the company's food and beverage strategy, developing innovative dining concepts, and streamlining operations to elevate performance across the portfolio. As Vice President of Food & Beverage, he will oversee all culinary and beverage programming across Remington's properties, leading concept development, brand partnerships, operational standards, and team training initiatives. He is also responsible for ensuring consistency in quality and service, optimizing profitability, and identifying emerging trends to keep the portfolio competitive and relevant. His expertise in food and beverage operations, passion for delivering bespoke service, and dedication to mentoring future leaders have been instrumental in driving Remington's continued success.
Before joining Remington in 2015, Wittman built a strong foundation in food and beverage through roles at some of the industry's most respected luxury hospitality brands. He brings over 20 years of experience, having held key operational and management positions with The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance Hotels, Omni Hotels, and One Ocean Resort & Spa.
'I'm thrilled to take on this new role and continue working alongside such a talented team,' said Wittman. 'Food and beverage is a powerful driver of guest satisfaction and brand differentiation, and I'm excited to build on our strong foundation to deliver exceptional experiences, grow our offerings, and help shape the future of F&B across our portfolio.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Travel Daily News
a day ago
- Travel Daily News
USTOA brings member delegates to the capitol
NEW YORK – The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) escorted a group of more than 50 Active Member tour operators and Associate Members to Washington, D.C., June 3-4, 2025, to advocate for tourism industry issues impacting the industry, from passport and visa processing to adequate funding of Brand USA and the National Park Service , among other urgent topics. 'In the 13th year of the USTOA Congressional Caucus, our advocacy efforts felt more important than ever,' said USTOA President & CEO Terry Dale . 'The Congressional Caucus is a vitally critical forum to engage directly with lawmakers on topics that will ensure the continued success and resilience of our industry and lead us toward a more responsible tourism future.' The morning of June 4 was packed with informative presentations on the 'state of the industry' from a number of industry representatives, including Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA; Jennifer Aguinaga, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism and Director, National Travel and Tourism Office; and Emily Douce, Deputy Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association. Guest speakers included Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the Presidential Task Force for 2026 FIFA World Cup, who spoke about initiatives to improve visa wait times and approval as the US is set to host this international event, and US Representative Tom Suozzi (D-NY), who provided insights into the top issues facing Congress. A small team of USTOA members met at the office of Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19). In the afternoon, nine teams of USTOA members visited the Capitol for meetings with leading members of Congress to discuss the core issues. Promoting U.S. tourism abroad with continued funding of Brand USA, urging Congress to fund the administration's Air Traffic Control modernization plan, the impact of tariffs on international and outbound U.S. travel, supporting National Park Service funding and sufficient staffing, encouraging improvement in passport application processing delays, and urging expedited visa processing and backlog reduction are among the topics discussed. Additional conversation included the INVEST in our Communities Act which aims to boost much-needed tourism and economic development in light of the recent drop off in Canadian travel to the US; supporting the DOT-Aviation Consumer Protection; and supporting travel infrastructure including the backing expansion of TSA Pre-check and Global Entry as well as phased enforcement and flexibility for REAL ID until full compliance on May 7, 2027. Dale continued, 'USTOA remains committed to being an advocate for responsible tourism, and these meetings proved to be a highly effective platform to communicate that message to key lawmakers. We have learned that our collective voice does matter and can make a difference. The participation of our members and the members of Congress who took the time to engage in discussions on the issues that matter most to our industry is deeply appreciated.' The Caucus kicked off with an opening night reception and dinner at the Colombian Ambassador 's residence, hosted by Daniel Ávila Camacho, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Colombia to the United States. Special guest Charlie Sykes, regular contributor to MSNBC and former editor-in-chief of The Bulwark, addressed the group about the importance to stay engaged in politics, among other timely topics.


Travel Daily News
a day ago
- Travel Daily News
Speakspots.com launches AI-powered guest communication platform
White label agentic AI solution by debuts with high-end hotels in rural destinations, designed to enhance guest experience and increase revenue. LONDON, UK – Travel tech startup has launched a white-label AI agent for hotels, automating guest communications and driving incremental revenue. This launch marks entry into the B2B space with a smart, scalable solution that blends LLMs, web scraping, and real-time personalisation -[all delivered through WhatsApp. The service also includes an AI powered reservation agent which can make telephone calls on guests' behalf to book restaurants or activities – overcoming language barriers and roaming fees. The agentic AI solution is targeted towards rural properties and transforms the way hotels engage with guests by offering real-time, hyper-personalized recommendations – delivered through WhatsApp and powered by Speakspots' proprietary AI agent technology. The proof of concept was developed at 5-star ARTIEM Asturias who are now rolling out white label platform in a second property, the 4-star ARTIEM Carlos in Menorca. 'In rural areas and secondary cities, hotels are still very much seen as the entry-point to a destination – guests look to them for advice and guidance about what to see and do during their stay,' said Andres Martinez Artal, CEO and founder of 'We're giving hoteliers the tools they need to seamlessly deliver a 5-star guest experience both in and around the hotel, all while increasing their revenue per guest and championing local businesses and SMEs.' How It Works AI agents integrate both internal hotel content (website, apps, documents) and external data (local partner sites, hotel staff knowledge) to provide guests with personalised and curated recommendations – ranging from on-site services to off-property experiences like restaurants and cultural attractions. Guests do not need to install any app – instead the solution works via WhatsApp to reach guests directly, with voice assistant integration planned for the near future. Similarly, the set-up is easy for the hotel, requiring no PMS or CRM integration to get going. solution also includes a 'robot making calls', or an AI-powered reservation agent. Guests can ask the AI agent to make a restaurant or activity booking on their behalf and the AI will make the call, speaking to business owners in their local language, to secure a table reservation, tour or activity booking. In rural areas where many SMEs (small, medium enterprises) have limited digital presence or only speak their own language, this solution helps to overcome two key challenges: language barriers and roaming fees for making calls. 'There's a paradox in travel right now; digital native travellers want authentic, local experiences, but the small businesses in destinations who are most able to offer that authenticity can't keep up with fast-moving advances in technology and AI', explains Andres Martinez Artal. 'What we need is a technological bridge, that means SMEs can benefit from GenAI for next to nothing and with very little effort, and digital travellers can find what they're looking for via their everyday technology. We are building that bridge.' Results That Matter Unlike traditional guest messaging tools or PMS/CRM plugins, white label solution focuses on personalization to both improve the guest experience and drive incremental revenue. The pilot programme at ARTIEM Asturias saw measurable increases in guest spending and satisfaction in the first two months – with just 20% of the additional sales generated covering the cost of running the platform. 'We're not just offering another SaaS solution. We're offering a smart, revenue-generating concierge that guests access through the technology theyr'e already using every day,' said Martinez Artal. 'The solution drives direct, trackable revenue uplift. And it enhances guest loyalty in a way big tech cannot.' Designed for a Sector That Needs It Speakspots is targeting high-end hotels, predominantly in rural destinations—often overlooked by mainstream platforms yet deeply dependent on strong guest experience and local integration. 'We're starting with a niche where the value is obvious and immediate, turning the hotel into the engine of the local community and connecting travellers with the authentic experiences they want, all while dispersing valuable tourism revenue', continues Martinez Artal. 'Down the line, we can see this solution rolling out to other SMEs in hospitality and supporting social sustainability in rural and secondary travel destinations.' The platform is scalable across regions, languages, and property sizes, but initial growth is focused on Spain and Western Europe. The launch follows rapid B2C growth across Europe, where its traveller itinerary generator continues to grow month-on-month in user numbers and itinerary creation volume.


Travel Daily News
a day ago
- Travel Daily News
Paso Robles Inn welcomes Chef Michael Freeman as Culinary Director
Paso Robles Inn appoints Chef Michael Freeman as Culinary Director, launching a bold new culinary era focused on local sourcing and seasonal innovation. PASO ROBLES, CA – Paso Robles Inn, a historic downtown landmark and icon of Paso Robles, announce the appointment of Chef Michael Freeman as Culinary Director. His arrival signals a transformative moment for both Paso Robles Inn and its sister property, The Piccolo, as the final step before sweeping culinary updates and a new chapter in hospitality excellence. 'Chef Freeman represents the future of dining at Paso Robles Inn and The Piccolo. His passion for local sourcing, combined with his roots in classical technique and his ability to lead with both creativity and precision, makes him the ideal partner as we reimagine what these properties can offer. We're at the beginning of an exciting journey – one that will unfold in the seasons ahead—but I have no doubt Chef Freeman will set the tone for the new Paso Robles culinary story to come,' says Chef Charlie Palmer. With over two decades of experience in fine dining, banquet operations, and hospitality leadership, Chef Freeman brings a thoughtful and seasoned approach to his new role at the Paso Robles Inn. Most recently, he served as Executive Chef for Charlie Palmer Steak DC. Prior to that, he led culinary teams at The Morrow Hotel and The LINE Hotel in Washington, D.C., as well as Eaton DC, where the hotel's signature restaurant, American Son, retained its Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction under his direction. Earlier in his career, Freeman honed his craft at Chef Charlie Palmer's Michelin-starred Aureole, laying the foundation for his refined, ingredient-driven style. 'We're not just changing menus – we're redefining what it means to dine in Paso Robles,' said Chef Freeman. 'This region has an incredible story to tell through its ingredients, its people, and its traditions. My goal is to craft an experience that's rooted in the land but reaching for something entirely new. This place feels like home in all the best ways. I want guests to feel the spirit of Paso Robles' warm hospitality, incredible products, and a real sense of pride in the land in every dish.' A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando, Chef Freeman blends classical French technique with a modern American sensibility. He is known for building high-performing culinary teams, championing local ingredients, and crafting menus that are both innovative and approachable. 'At the Paso Robles Inn, our focus has always been on creating a warm, memorable experience that reflects the character and charm of this community,' said Erica Fryburger, General Manager of Paso Robles Inn. 'As we evolve, these new culinary offerings will not only deepen our commitment to hospitality but also help shape the Inn and Paso Robles into an epicurean destination – one that enhances every part of the guest experience.' A fresh taste of Paso: Seasonal menus and local sourcing Since joining, Chef Freeman has already begun rolling out new dishes that lean into Paso's agricultural bounty with a bold, meat-forward focus, positioning Paso Robles Inn as one of the only dining destinations in the region boasting a custom dry-aging program in partnership with Allen Brothers. Standouts include a 21-day dry-aged ribeye, prime rib carved in-house, and tri-tip steak frites – a nod to regional traditions. The new bar menu at Cattlemen's Lounge features dishes like Beef Tips with blistered fresno chili, and Chorizo Tots with smoky paprika aioli, offering a hearty, elevated take on local favorites. Additional menu highlights include: A weekly local cattle feature Morro Bay oysters and rotating seafood specials Locally grown mushrooms from Mighty Cap Produce from Seed in a Bucket, Aviation Farms and Sierra Honey Farms Menus can be viewed at along with hours of operation and reservations. Chef Freeman also encourages guests to look for daily specials featuring off-menu items sourced from his evolving roster of farmers, fishers, and ranchers. Additional new lunch and dinner dishes, along with a brand new brunch program will launch later this summer. A new standard for events and banquets In addition to daily dining, Freeman is reinventing banquet service at both properties. The soon-to-launch banquet menu reflects his seasonal, locally sourced ethos, with customizable packages that deliver restaurant-level quality at scale. Guests can expect refined presentations, layered flavor profiles, and thoughtful nods to Central Coast cuisine, whether booking a small wedding or a large corporate retreat. Freeman also leads internal chef training and kitchen culture-building efforts across both hotels, focusing on culinary excellence, respect for the craft and hospitality-driven service. Looking ahead: Charlie Palmer Collective arrives 2025–2026 Upon completion of major renovations in late 2025 and early 2026, the Charlie Palmer Collective will operate all food and beverage outlets at Paso Robles Inn and The Piccolo, including in-room dining and catering. Until then, Chef Freeman's leadership ensures continuity, creativity, and excellence while also helping shape the future vision. He will remain a key part of the culinary leadership team during and beyond the transition. This moment presents an incredible opportunity to join a passionate and growing culinary team. Paso Robles Inn is actively hiring for both front and back-of-house roles as it builds a culture of excellence and creativity in the heart of wine country. Peregrine Hospitality was launched in 2024 as a rebrand of KSL Resorts. Peregrine Hospitality offers a complete range of services, including hotel/resort management, development/project management, and global sales support, from asset management to advisory support. Today, it has 92 properties under direct management, asset management, or participating in the organization's global sales program in markets across the U.S., Fiji, the Maldives, Mauritius and Thailand. The portfolio includes distinctive resorts, boutique hotels, and select-service hotels with a wide range of amenities, including spa, golf, tennis and ski, and food and beverage operations.