VISION HOSPITALITY GROUP will celebrate its 25th anniversary in April. The company, led by Mitch Patel as president and CEO, is now making plans for the next quarter century.
Founded in 1997, Vision Hospitality began with a Homewood Suites by Hilton, Chattanooga/Hamilton Place Patel developed in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the company is still headquartered. Then, as the U.S. economy struggled to overcome the 9/11 attacks of 2001, Patel went on to develop 10 more hotels.
“Here, VHG learned agility and how to pivot, gaining a deeper understanding of how to successfully adapt to the ebb and flow of the hospitality and financial industries,” the company said in a statement. “These lessons, along with a solid foundation of core values – dedication, integrity, respect, excellence, community, teamwork, and spirit – were the guiding principles that led to continued growth through the Great Recession and the unprecedented challenges of the last few years.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic swept the country in 2020 and 2021, VHG launched eight new hotels, including The Grady in Louisville, Kentucky, and Kinley Hotels in Cincinnati and Chattanooga. In November, The Grady and the Kinley Cincinnati Downtown won different categories of last year’s StayBoutique Awards by the Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association.
“As we approach two-and-a-half decades of sustained growth, we feel our success is a product of a strong vision to recognize and leverage opportunities in all economic environments,” Patel said. “We look ahead toward continued, thoughtful growth and abundant opportunities for our partners and stakeholders in the years to come.”
Also in 2021, VHG introduced its subsidiary, Humanist Hospitality, as an operator of hotel and restaurant brands. Humanist provides a turn-key solution for hotel management, including human resources, sales and marketing, revenue management, as well as rooftop bars and restaurant operations.
VHG also focuses on social responsibility and environmental consciousness practices, which impact the communities and the hospitality industry at large. Its leadership and employees share an investment in the company’s culture, according to the company. Patel said they do have plans to mark the occasion.
“We are excited to mark our 25th year in April with our partners, executives, hotel leaders and families with a celebration gala at one of Chattanooga’s beloved landmarks, The Hunter Museum of American Art,” he said. “Other celebrations and events will continue throughout the year to express our commitment of giving back to the communities we serve and those who serve them.”
As VHG’s market cap approaches $1 billion, Patel plans to expand the company’s footprint through strategic investments, acquisitions, and repositioning opportunities. He also aims to continue working with current partners as well as building new relationships in targeted markets.
