137-room Epicurean Hotel Slated to Open November 2013 in Tampa
Partners, Mainsail Lodging and Bern's Steak House to Break Ground Next Month on the Culinary-centric Boutique Hotel
TAMPA, FL - September 24, 2012 - Tampa-based Mainsail Lodging & Development recently announced a target opening date of November 2013 for the Epicurean, a 137-room boutique hotel devoted to extraordinary culinary experiences.
Scheduled to break ground in October of 2012 in the trendy Hyde Park historic district of South Tampa, Fla., the food-focused hotel will feature a large, state-of-the-art culinary classroom, high-end bistro, wine shop, rooftop lounge, full-service spa, and a retail and production bakery and pastry shop. The Epicurean is being developed in collaboration with the legendary Bern's Steak House, and will be the first newly constructed property to join the prestigious Autograph Collection® of Marriott International.
“This is a match made in heaven - or maybe heaven's kitchen,” said Joe Collier, Mainsail Lodging & Development's president. “The Epicurean is a perfect addition to Marriott's Autograph Collection®, which is known for delivering unique travel experiences. Combine that brand with Mainsail Lodging and the culinary artistry of Bern's and you've got a finished product that is going to delight our South Tampa neighbors and dazzle travelers from around the world.”
Bern's Steak House owner and partner in the Epicurean David Laxer adds, “Ten years ago when I thought about what could be the next generation of Bern's and my father's legacy, the Epicurean was a dream. Now that dream is going to be shared with the World, and the standards of service that we have provided for 56 years will be carried on in our newest addition to Bern's legendary story, the Epicurean.”
A few of the special experiences planned for the Epicurean include wine lockers for the guests, evening wine samplings, signature organic bath products, and luxury linens and pillows. The Epicurean will be home to the popular annual Bern's WineFest, and will host a variety of cooking demonstrations and classes, wine exhibitions and more from renowned chefs and sommeliers from around the world, catering to both the beginner and experienced foodie.
According to Collier and Laxer, Urban Studio Architects of Tampa is overseeing the design of the project, which will include a streamlined, modern exterior that will enhance the architecture in the heart of the flourishing South Tampa neighborhood. The interior design will be handled by Chicago-based Gettys Hospitality Design & Development, who will use their extensive industry experience to maximize space while enriching the guest experience. Financing for the Epicurean is being provided by Synovus Bank and Lindell Capital.
As Tampa's first member of Marriott's Autograph Collection®, the Epicurean will join an ensemble of independent luxury hotels worldwide selected for their originality, rich character and uncommon details. Mainsail Lodging & Development's British Virgin Islands property, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina became the first Caribbean resort in the collection in December 2011.
For more information on the Epicurean, please visit www.epicureanhotel.com.
About Mainsail Lodging and Development Group
Mainsail Lodging and Development is a Tampa based hospitality company that develops and operates lodging products in the Southeastern US and the Caribbean. Their properties include a private island resort in the British Virgin Islands called Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina (www.scrubisland.com) which recently joined Marriott's Autograph Collection under a franchise agreement, a boutique beach front hotel and marina on Anna Maria Island Florida (www.mainsailbeachinn.com) the Mainsail Suites Hotel and Conference Center (www.mainsailtampa.com) in Tampa, Florida and Mainsail South a 328 unit apartment and corporate housing complex in South Tampa. The company also operates ExecuStay (www.execustay.com), a leading corporate housing provider throughout Florida, Georgia and The Carolinas.
About Bern's Steak House
Internationally known for its vast wine collection, perfectly aged steaks and famous dessert room, Bern's Steak House offers a world-class, incomparable dining experience. When Bern Laxer opened in 1956, he envisioned Bern's as Art in Steaks. Today, son David Laxer and Chef de Cuisine Habteab Hamde continue Bern's tradition of excellence with a gastronomic adventure that includes prime dry-aged steaks cut-to-order, 21 choices of caviar, fresh seafood and organic vegetables grown on Bern's farm. The menu also boasts a weekly specials page offering fresh oysters, seasonal delights and entrees with suggested wine pairings. For oenophiles, the 6,500 label wine collection, a perennial Wine Spectator Grand Award winner, provides ample opportunity for exploration. www.bernssteakhouse.com
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
