10 minute read
SRQ Magazine | The End of an Era: Hyatt Regency Sarasota
THE END OF AN ERA
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF HOSPITALITY
AFTER 50 WONDERFUL YEARS, THE HYATT REGENCY SARASOTA IS CLOSING ITS DOORS
After an incredible 50 years of service, the Hyatt Regency Sarasota is bidding farewell. Since its opening in 1975, it has been a beloved fixture on the intercoastal waterway, offering an unforgettable stay with its 294 rooms, lagoon-style pool and 30-slip marina. The hotel’s prime location, just minutes from the Gulf beaches and a short stroll to downtown Sarasota exemplifies coastal elegance. For five decades, it has been more than just a hotel; it has been the gathering place for business, family events, celebrations and relaxing vacations. As the doors close on this iconic hotel, the Hyatt Regency leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable memories, a symbol of Sarasota’s charm through the years.
THE HYATT REGENCY SARASOTA’S DREAM TEAM
WES SANTOS HAS SERVED AS GENERAL MANAGER OF THE HYATT REGENCY SARASOTA FOR FOUR YEARS, joining just as COVID-19 was waning. He’s been with–Aimbridge Hospitality, the third-party hotel management company overseeing the operations at Hyatt Sarasota–for over nine years. Debbie DeVito serves as Director of Sales and Marketing, and she’s been with the organization for eight years. Assistant Finance Director Annette Hopewell, also part of the administrative team, has been with the hotel for over 41 years. Wes is in awe of the relationships that have been built amongst the long-term employees, “Many of these folks have worked through eight different GMs but they have always stayed together through it all. It’s a family-friendly environment where people have grown up together,” he says. “Hospitality can be a transient business, but for these employees, leaving was never an option.” He credits Hyatt’s loyalty to both customers and employees for their longevity.
“While we’ve modernized, the employees still cherish the sense of home they feel when walking into this building. When we announced the hotel closing, at least a dozen said, ‘We’re sticking it out until the end’, even though some have had other options.” Debbie adds, “Maybe it’s because we’re in paradise here!”
“It’s rare for someone to start and retire with the same company,” she says. “I’m leaving with so many cherished friendships.” Her greatest memories revolve around hosting large events. “It’s incredible to see what it takes to pull o a big event and bring so many people together–everyone has each other’s backs. As Director of Sales, my job is to generate business, but you can’t succeed without taking care of your people. And that’s what we do here. The pride the employees take in their work is amazing.”
Annette believes that her success has come from having a positive attitude daily, learning from mistakes, working hard and always being prepared for the day. “Always dress and act for the position you want, not the position you have now,” she advises. To support employees through the closing, the management team is hosting a reverse job fair this spring, partnering with local businesses to o er booths where staff can interview for open roles with participating organizations.
A REGIONAL ICON
Erin Duggan, president and CEO of Visit Sarasota County for the past two years, has worked with the organization for 20 years and grew up in the area, witnessing its transformation. Reflecting on Sarasota before the Hyatt arrived, she says, “We had mom-and-pop accommodations, but no meeting hotels. The Hyatt, built 50 years ago, was monumental. It exposed us to meeting attendees, turning business travelers into leisure visitors, and eventually attracting the families who moved here and couples who retired here.” Visit Sarasota County drives about 30% of the area’s visitation but Duggan highlights the Hyatt’s role, noting how they’ve planted the seeds in helping local businesses thrive.
When I was a kid, downtown Sarasota was slower in the summer, and restaurants closed for the season. That’s all changed over the years thanks in large part to all of the accommodations throughout the county
- Erin Duggan
The temporary loss of 200+ Hyatt rooms will impact the area economically. Duggan explains that the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) paid by short term rental guests funds key Sarasota projects. Last year, the county collected over $48 million in TDT, up from $15 million about a decade ago. This tax supports beach maintenance, Nathan Benderson Park, spring training and arts funding—all vital for Sarasota’s identity as Florida’s Cultural Coast. “We’ll miss them while they’re gone, but the long-term benefits of their rebuild in a few years will be worth it.”
“Meeting attendees love the downtown hotels where they can walk everywhere and don’t need to rent a car,” she adds. “This is the kind of tourism we want—tourists who aren’t clogging our roads, but supporting our businesses, paying the TDT and sales tax and contributing to the local economy.” She also notes that while it’s easy to take the busy season for granted, it’s great to see our hotels busy from June through October. “When I was a kid, downtown Sarasota was slower in the summer, and restaurants closed for the season. That’s all changed over the years thanks in large part to all of the accommodations throughout the county, including the new hotels and the additions of AirBNB and VRBOs.”
Duggan praises the Hyatt’s leadership for its commitment to employees. “In a world focused on the bottom line, sometimes humanity can be forgotten. How the management is handling the closure and taking care of employees is truly admirable.”
THE HEARTBEAT OF HOSPITALITY
THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES STAFF MEMBERS WHO MAKE IT ALL HAPPEN
THE SERVERS AND FRONT-OF-HOUSE STAFF AT THE HYATT SARASOTA ENSURE EVERY GUEST RECEIVES EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE.
The servers and front-of-house staff at the Hyatt Sarasota ensure every guest receives exceptional service. Huey Wilson has been with the organization since 1992 when he joined the New Orleans Hyatt as a bartender. Here in Sarasota since 2001, Huey is a bell attendant, shuttle bus driver and occasionally, a valet. His greatest memories are the charity boat races and checking in famous guests including the Beach Boys, BB King and Judy Collins. On any given day, Huey says you can find him ‘chillin’ like a villain’ around the hotel.
Yvette Pritchard’s remarkable 35-year journey with Hyatt began in Chicago, where she started as a busser and assisted with phone duties. In 1988, she moved here to be closer to her family and has since worn many hats, taking on roles in room service, floor operations and even working at the coffee bar. Yvette will especially miss the close-knit staff and the loyal guests who request her presence every year. Throughout her career, she has appreciated the unwavering support of the management team, especially during challenging times, such as the recent hurricanes and the loss of her mother.
Known for her signature tradition of dancing on the tables to celebrate the end of an event at the hotel, Anna Braden has been an integral part of Hyatt Sarasota for over 38 years. Currently a server, she has also worked with the banquets and room service teams. Reflecting on her long tenure, Anna is moved to tears when thinking about how much she will miss her coworkers and the guests who have become like family over the years.
Stephanie Dejonge, now a breakfast server, became part of the Hyatt Sarasota family on April 13, 1989. Over the years, she’s had the chance to meet several famous personalities, including Kevin Bacon and the Bacon Brothers while working at the boathouse, as well as political figures, comedian Jerry Seinfeld and her childhood idol, Liza Minnelli. “It’s sad for all of us who’ve been here for so long,” Stephanie says. “Like any family, we love to hate each other! I’ll miss every one of my coworkers.”
The banquet staff members at the Hyatt are dedicated to creating flawless events.
Rose De Freitas began her journey at the hotel over 36 years ago as a housekeeper before transitioning into the banquet department as a server. She particularly enjoys assisting with coffee breaks during meetings and conventions and will greatly miss her coworkers.
Nadir Magusson, who has been with Hyatt Sarasota for an impressive 43.6 years, also started in housekeeping before becoming a banquet server. Over the years, she’s celebrated her children’s weddings and her 50th wedding anniversary at the hotel. “This is a beautiful place with beautiful people to work with, and it breaks my heart to see it closing,” she shares.
Banquet Captain Pamela Poe holds the record for the longest tenure, with 47.4 years at the hotel. When she first started, she recalls being put to work at the bar with no experience. It felt chaotic and overwhelming, and she wasn’t sure she’d return. But somehow, she’s been there ever since. Over the years, Pam has become an expert with flower arrangements and even won a competition.
Her first and only job in the United States, Ella Rabinovich is a banquet server who came to the hotel in 1992 from Belarus. She’s also worked on many jobs in the kitchen. “This hotel was my life and I will miss it dearly,” she says.
MIXING DRINKS AND MASTERING DISHES
THE KITCHEN AND BAR TEAMS MAKING MAGIC HAPPEN.
Antionio Lopez has been a banquet cook for the Hyatt for 32 years.
Wilfredo Colon arrived at the hotel over 30 years ago as a line cook from Rochester, NY. Aside from all the friends he’s made, he will always remember the time he tried to light the oven in the boat house, almost lighting his mustache on fire.
Angela “Angie” Brown, line and lead banquet cook started in the summer of 1991. She worked with laundry for a year but couldn’t stand the static shock so she moved over the the kitchen where she’s been ever since. She has fond memories of the Sunday brunches at the hotel. Angie, Wilfredo and Antonio will miss their coworkers who are like family to them.
Margaret Gannon has spent over 34 years bartending at the Hyatt Sarasota, and Carmel Koos has been tending bar at the hotel’s Hurricane Hut for more than 36 years. Both have enjoyed the ever-changing nature of their jobs and will miss their Hyatt family.
Robert “Bobby” Denu, who’s been with the Hyatt family since 1984, has a 45-year career that began in Kentucky. He moved to Tampa and finally settled in Sarasota. After transitioning from the military to bartending, Bobby has always loved his work, recalling serving milkshakes to customers and their grandchildren. Those children are now grown, visiting with their children and grandchildren and Bobby is still serving them milkshakes at the lobby bar.
