News Summary
George Schindler, a founding partner of Hospitality Restaurants and a notable figure in Cleveland’s culinary landscape, has passed away at the age of 70. Friends mentioned he had been facing heart issues. Schindler’s legacy includes establishing several acclaimed restaurants and his commitment to exemplary service and hospitality. The recent appointment of new managing partners is a testament to his influence in the industry, which will continue to thrive in his honor.
Cleveland, Ohio – George Schindler, an esteemed founding partner of Hospitality Restaurants, has passed away at the age of 70. While the cause of death has not been officially reported, friends have indicated that he had been dealing with heart issues. Schindler’s significant contributions to the culinary landscape of Cleveland will be remembered as his legacy continues to influence the local restaurant scene.
Schindler embarked on his culinary journey at the young age of 15, starting as a dishwasher at the cafeteria of Parma Community Hospital. His passion for the hospitality industry led him to create several acclaimed restaurants in Cleveland, including the Cabin Club, Salmon Dave’s, Blue Point Grille, Delmonico’s Steakhouse, and Rosewood Grill. In 1991, Schindler teamed up with Kay Ameen and the late Dave Hale to establish Hospitality Restaurants, with the Cabin Club being their inaugural project.
Under Schindler’s direction, Hospitality Restaurants emphasized high standards for service and hospitality while adopting an old-school approach to dining. The company has grown significantly over the years, currently operating eight dining locations throughout Northeast Ohio, including Kingfish Seafood and Thirsty Parrot. At present, Hospitality Restaurants employs around 350 individuals, showcasing Schindler’s commitment to providing job opportunities within the community.
Chris Kneeland, Managing Partner at Hospitality Restaurants, described Schindler as the “North Star” of the company, highlighting his immense impact on the hospitality sector. Schindler was known for his accessibility to his staff, making himself available regardless of the situation. He firmly believed that while dining preferences may shift over time, the expectation for outstanding service remains constant among customers.
Recently, Hospitality Restaurants announced the addition of three new managing partners: Linda Ekey, Chris Kneeland, and Patrick “PJ” Saracusa. Collectively, they bring over 60 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Ekey became a part of Hospitality Restaurants in 1997, starting as an assistant manager at Blue Point Grille. Saracusa, who joined the organization as an intern in 1998, ascended to the role of general manager at Blue Point Grille. Kneeland became a managing partner for three Rosewood Grill locations in 2019.
In his tenure, Schindler expressed appreciation for the dedication and hard work of his partners, particularly during trying periods like the COVID-19 pandemic. His contributions and leadership have established a solid foundation for the growth and success of Hospitality Restaurants, ensuring that its reputation for quality and excellence continues.
Future plans for Hospitality Restaurants include renovations for its various locations, including refurbishments for Thirsty Parrot. Additionally, Blue Point Grille is anticipated to reopen for lunch later this year; however, a specific date has yet to be announced.
George Schindler’s enduring influence on the Cleveland restaurant scene will leave a lasting impact on the city, as the community remembers a pioneer who dedicated his life to elevating the standards of dining and hospitality. His commitment to service and ability to inspire those around him will be sorely missed but forever cherished in the hearts of many.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland.com: George Schindler Dies
- Wikipedia: Cleveland
- Cleveland Scene: RIP George Schindler
- Google Search: George Schindler
- Legacy.com: George Schindler Obituary
- Google Scholar: George Schindler
- Cleveland Magazine: Cleveland Museum of Art Review
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cleveland
- Crain’s Cleveland: Hospitality Restaurants Updates
- Google News: Restaurant News in Cleveland
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