Tampa’s New Epicurean Hotel Slated to Open November 2013

Posted: October 20, 2012

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Mainsail Lodging, Bern’s Steak House Partner on Culinary-centric Boutique Hotel

TAMPA, Fla. (Sept.13, 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 in the United States to join the prestigious Autograph Collection® of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR). 

“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 Autograph Collection®, known for delivering exceptional  travel experiences. Combine this 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 Autograph Collection®, the Epicurean will join an ensemble of independent hotels worldwide hand 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 to join Autograph 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 Autograph Collection under a franchise agreement, a boutique beach front hotel and marina on Anna Maria Island Florida, the Mainsail Beach Inn (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

-About Autograph Collection

The Autograph Collection is an evolving ensemble of strikingly independent hotels. Each destination has been selected for its bold originality, rich character and uncommon details. From near to far, iconic to historic, the result is an array of properties that is nothing less than unique, nothing short of collectively exceptional. For more information please visit www.autographhotels.com

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