HOTEL LAGUNA, LAGUNA BEACH APPOINTS HEINZ U. HOFMANN CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

HOTEL LAGUNA, LAGUNA BEACH APPOINTS HEINZ U. HOFMANN CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Laguna Beach, California / July 18, 2011 – Andersen Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of industry leader Heinz U. Hofmann as the Chief Operating Officer of Hotel Laguna. But, for those who know the close relationship between the Andersens and the Hofmanns, this is really more of a “home-coming”.

Heinz says “The Hotel Laguna is close to my heart because the Andersen family is close to my heart.” As a long-time returning guest to the Hotel Laguna (or, as his family calls it, the ‘Hofmann beach house’!), Heinz not only is bringing immense enthusiasm and passion to the property, he also imports over 50 years of international experience in food, beverage and hospitality. Reminiscent of Claes Andersen, Heinz “comes from the kitchen.” Heinz and Claes met through the prestigious dining group, Confrèrie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in 1985. Both men traveled to Paris often as they were members of the ruling council of the Chaine in Paris. It was here where they bonded over their deep-rooted love of all things culinary, as well as their European ties. Heinz had the recent honor of inducting both Executive Chef Paul Bauer and Claes’ son, Stefan Andersen, into this distinguished group. "We are very pleased to have Heinz join the Hotel Laguna family and look forward to adding his expertise to our continued commitment to delivering an outstanding experience for our guests," says Hotel Laguna owner, Georgia Andersen.

Heinz brings over 50 years of stellar success and global industry experience. Prior to joining the Hotel Laguna, Heinz apprenticed in the kitchens of Switzerland (his native land). His extensive resume includes Managing Director of a 1000-room resort in the Bahamas, Director of Food & Beverage for multiple Westin Hotels in Canada and the Westin Continental in Chicago, and then San Francisco’s St. Francis Hotel. As Owner of his consulting company, he was then contracted as manager for implementing and executing property remodels, design/development and grand openings, the most recent and impressive being the $25.7 million construction project for La Quinta Country Club. Delivering the massive project under budget and on time is credited to Heinz’s dedication to hard work, and was applauded and commended by this members-only Country Club.

Heinz will take on the Hotel Operation responsibilities in addition to maintaining his roles with the invitation-only gastronomic society, Confrèrie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, as Conseiller Culinaire et des Professionels National and Officier Commandeur, a valued membership he has had for more than 30 years. He also holds the rank of Commandeur for his 15+ years of service to Les Amis d’Escoffier, a private membership association of active and retired Chefs, Restaurant Owners, and Hoteliers.

About Hotel Laguna
Prominently located in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach, Hotel Laguna is a historic boutique 65-room hotel with a European flair sitting on an exclusive stretch of the Southern California coast. Hotel Laguna was the very first hotel in Laguna Beach and the first substantial business building as well. Being the most recognizable structure in Laguna Beach, this building of Spanish-style architecture was built in the 1930s and has given 112 years of almost continuous service. Picturesque, romantic and harboring an intriguing past, the Hotel Laguna was purchased by the Andersen Family in 1985. Soon after, the interior and exterior were refurbished and the ‘Grand Old Lady’ quickly became an award winning establishment with multiple outlets, including The OceanView Bar & Grill, Private Banquet Rooms and the newest on-property inauguration, CLAES Ovation!

Sarah Lawson
Marketing & Media Relations | Hotel Laguna

425 S. Coast Highway | Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone: (949) 494-1151 | Fax: (949) 497-2163
sarah@hotellaguna.com | www.hotellaguna.com
Facebook: facebook.com/hotellaguna | Twitter: @Hotel_Laguna

This release was published on openPR.