Townsend Hires Director of Restaurant Operations

BIRMINGHAM, Mich., August 17, 2008- The Townsend Hotel has hired Keith Schofield as its new director of restaurant operations. Schofield will be responsible for overseeing the success of the acclaimed Rugby Grille Restaurant, In-room dining, Townsend Tea and Detroit's sophisticated nightspot, The Corner.

Prior to joining The Townsend, Schofield was a senior manager for the Matt Prentice Restaurant Group. Schofield was responsible for multiple business units - restaurants, catering facilities, and delis - from concept-design to successful operation. Schofield was the managing partner for the Plaza Deli and the Deli Unique of West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills. He was instrumental in the evolution and success of two four star restaurants; Northern Lakes Seafood Company and the Novi Chop House.

The Rugby Grille has acquired a reputation for being world class restaurant," said Peter Wilde, managing director of The Townsend. "Keith not only brings a wealth of great experience in the industry to the Townsend, but intelligent leadership, a deep appreciation for our community and a passion for achieving excellence. We believe that with Keith's leadership, the Rugby Grille will continue to innovate and provide an ever-evolving world class dining experience that is sophisticated, elegant and fun."

Schofield and his wife reside in Royal Oak, Mich.

For more information, contact Jason Brown, PublicCity PR, 248-252-1687 or JBrown@PublicCityPR.net

Since The Townsend opened in 1988, it has received numerous awards and accolades including Mobil Four Star and AAA Four Diamond designations as well as a perennial position on Conde Nast's "Top 100 Gold List," and Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Hotels." The Townsend's Rugby Grille has been recognized by Zagat's Restaurant Guide as one of the top 10 restaurants in the United States. THE TOWNSEND HOTEL, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is located at 100 Townsend Street in downtown Birmingham, Mich. For more information, contact the hotel at 248-642-7900 or 800-548-4172. Additional information is also available at www.townsendhotel.com.

Back to The Townsend Hotel Media Fact Sheet