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A new initiative within the economics and business department at Kalamazoo College is turning the classroom into a collaborative innovation experience, as students partner with Greenleaf Hospitality Group to craft strategies to attract area college students to downtown Kalamazoo.

The initiative is called the InKubator for Experiential Education. As part of the InKubator, senior business students will be serving as consultants to Greenleaf Hospitality Group (GHG), conducting research and preparing proposals on the types of experiences and events that might best attract K, Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College students to the highly anticipated Kalamazoo Event Center. The event center is slated to open on the southwest corner of North Westnedge and West Kalamazoo Avenue in the fall of 2027. The site is about a mile northeast of K’s campus.

The center will be the future home of WMU’s hockey and men’s and women’s basketball programs, as well as the Kalamazoo Wings hockey team. In addition to serving as a state-of-the-art athletic venue, the facility will feature seating for 8,000 guests for concerts, dynamic and flexible event spaces, and on-site parking. Spanning 450,000 square feet, including 20,000 square feet of flat floor space, the center offers versatile event spaces suitable for a variety of occasions, providing ample room for creativity and innovation.

Amy MacMillan, L. Lee Stryker Associate Professor of Business at K, is co-teaching the InKubator experience with Associate Professor Emeritus Timothy Moffit. The professors will serve as managing partners to the students, who will form consulting teams. Each team will be student-led with the support of K alumni mentors. Entrepreneurs, strategists, actors, artists and writers will be invited to lead activities that open the brain to innovative thinking.

“Experiential education has long been a distinguishing feature of Kalamazoo College,” said MacMillan. “In the InKubator, students will apply design thinking, problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills to a real project that will make a difference in our community. We’re building a bridge between college and career so students can hit the ground running after they graduate. We’re excited to partner with GHG on this initiative.”

Classes will meet half the time at the downtown Radisson in meeting space provided by GHG. Sarah Olszowy, vice president of marketing and technology for GHG, will provide feedback to students throughout the various iterations of their projects. The class will culminate in a final presentation of student proposals to Olszowy and other GHG representatives.

“This collaboration with Kalamazoo College harnesses the creativity and energy of emerging professionals to make downtown Kalamazoo an exciting destination for the next generation. Together, we’re shaping experiences that will not only attract students but also build a stronger connection between our vibrant community and its future leaders,” said Olszowy.

ABOUT:
Kalamazoo College, founded in 1833, is a nationally recognized residential liberal arts and sciences college located in Kalamazoo, Mich. The creator of the K-Plan, Kalamazoo College provides an individualized education that integrates rigorous academics with life-changing experiential learning opportunities. For more information, visit www.kzoo.edu.

The Kalamazoo Event Center ushers in a new era for hosting collegiate and professional sports and events. It is positioned to become the must-experience destination in downtown Kalamazoo and southwest Michigan. Set to redefine the entertainment and sports landscape, this cutting-edge venue is currently under development and promises a dynamic space for diverse events. The center is owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group.

Greenleaf Hospitality Group (GHG) includes the Radisson Plaza Hotel, Wings Event Center, Wings West, the Kalamazoo Country Club, several outlets within these venues, and the future Kalamazoo Event Center. GHG strives to positively impact the greater Kalamazoo community by offering premier establishments for dining, hospitality, sports, and entertainment. For more information, visit www.greenleafhospitalitygroup.com.

Kalamazoo, MI – December 13, 2024 – On the heels of completing its multi-million dollar guest room and meeting space renovation earlier this year, the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites in downtown Kalamazoo begins preparations for yet another year of transformative updates. The Radisson, which is locally owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group, is set to elevate its guest experience once again with the addition of a stunning new lobby bar and the complete remodel of its on-site bar & grill, Old Burdick’s.

The new lobby bar, set to open in early fall 2025, is designed to blend sophistication with a welcoming ambiance. Offering a curated selection of craft cocktails, wines, and beers alongside an innovative menu of light bites, the space aims to become a central hub for guests—whether they’re awaiting check-in, heading to dinner, or stopping in before an event at the Radisson. The lobby bar will take the place of the current RIO Gift Shop on the main level of the Radisson. RIO will be relocated to a new area of the lobby to create a seamless customer-driven shopping journey.

“This addition will greatly enhance the experience for our hotel guests and event attendees, providing an elevated and inviting space to relax and connect during their stay with us,” said Craig Davies, General Manager of the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites.

To coincide with the lobby bar addition, Old Burdick’s Downtown, a staple in Kalamazoo for over 30 years, will undergo a complete renovation and brand refresh. As previously announced, the restaurant will temporarily close its doors following service on Saturday, December 21, 2024, with plans to reopen in the fall of 2025. Guests can look forward to a modernized look, a reimagined menu, and exciting new amenities, including two fully private dining rooms and four lanes of duckpin bowling – a fast-growing trend in the area.

“We’re excited about the growth happening in downtown Kalamazoo in the coming years,” noted Tim Rayman, CEO of Greenleaf Hospitality Group. “The investments in our Radisson property are a prime example of the impactful changes aimed at attracting more visitors to our area while creating memorable experiences for our community to enjoy.”

Before renovations beginning on December 22, the team invites the Kalamazoo community to stop in to enjoy Burdick’s favorites and celebrate the exciting future ahead. During the downtown renovation, the Old Burdick’s located at Wings West will remain open for business as usual, ensuring guests can continue to enjoy the same great food and atmosphere.

For more information and updates coming to the Radisson, please visit radissonkzoo.com/amenities/renovation/.

Doors to Temporarily Close for Renovation on Dec. 22

Kalamazoo, MI – November 1, 2024 – Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill, a staple in downtown Kalamazoo for over 30 years, will temporarily close its doors following service on Saturday, December 21, 2024, for a complete renovation and brand refresh. The restaurant, locally owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group, is slated to reopen in the fall of 2025 with a modernized look, reimagined menu, and new amenities designed to enhance the dining and social experience for both locals and visitors alike.

The newly renovated Burdick’s will feature an expanded dining area to accommodate more guests and events, including two fully private dining rooms perfect for hosting gatherings and celebrations. A key new feature is the addition of four lanes of duckpin bowling, a growing trend in Kalamazoo known for its fun, fast-paced appeal. The lively atmosphere will create the perfect setting for catching a game or enjoying a casual night out with friends.

With exciting changes to the downtown landscape in the coming years, the update to Burdick’s brand is aptly timed to be prepared for the influx of guests eager to experience everything Kalamazoo has to offer. Located on the first floor of the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, the newly renovated restaurant will be a central gathering place for travelers and locals looking for a go-to spot before or after games and events.

“As we look ahead to all of the great things in store for downtown Kalamazoo, reenergizing the Burdick’s brand is the perfect next step for our Radisson property,” said Tim Rayman, CEO of Greenleaf Hospitality Group. “By making these updates now, we’re setting the stage to be exceptional hosts for both local guests and visitors to our vibrant city for years to come.”

A Look Ahead: Burdick’s Downtown by the Numbers

• 11,890 sq. foot restaurant

• 348 seats total

• 2 completely private dining rooms

• 4 lanes of duckpin bowling

Hours & Offerings:

• Open for Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner, and Late Night

• Featuring a full menu of elevated sports bar staples: burgers, pizzas, shareable appetizers, and a full-service bar.

“We’re thrilled to reimagine Old Burdick’s Downtown and create the place to be for everyone—from the casual diner to the avid sports fan,” said Ryan Cunningham, Executive Director of Food and Beverage at Greenleaf Hospitality Group. “It’s all about enhancing the experience, and we can’t wait to unveil the refreshed brand in 2025.”

Prior to the renovation beginning on December 22, the team invites the Kalamazoo community to stop in to enjoy Burdick’s favorites and cheers to the exciting future ahead.

For more information and updates on the renovation and reopening of Burdick’s Downtown, please visit oldburdicks.com/downtown-updates.

During the downtown renovation, the Old Burdick’s located at Wings West will remain open for business as usual. Guests can continue to enjoy the same great food and atmosphere they’ve come to love at Wings West, with no disruption in service.

Friday, August 16
1pm to 3pm

Wings Event Center
3600 Vanrick Dr
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Parking is free

Open Interviews will be held in The Overlook at Wings Event Center, near The Zoo ice rink – view the Facility Map here.

An action-packed event season is right around the corner at Wings! By joining the team, you won’t miss a minute of it. From Kalamazoo Wings Hockey Games to national concerts, be a part of making guests’ experiences memorable and fun.

Open Interviews will be hosted on Friday, August 16 at Wings Event Center. Representatives from Greenleaf Hospitality Group will be on-site to interview for many different roles including concession attendants, ushers, parking attendants, ticket office associates, security, and more for the upcoming hockey and event season at Wings Event Center!

Click here to view all current openings.

GHG is comprised of 15 locally owned and operated businesses. These businesses include but are not limited to,  the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites, Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo Wings, Wings West, the Kalamazoo Country Club, and more. View our family of brands here.

Wednesday, April 3
11am to 1pm

Hosted at Brick + Brine
Located on the Lobby Level of the Radisson Plaza Hotel
100 W. Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Job fair attendees will receive parking validation for the ramp attached to the Radisson.

Open Interviews will be hosted on Wednesday, April 3 at Brick + Brine. Representatives from Greenleaf Hospitality Group restaurants including Brick + Brine, Old Burdick’s, The Morning Dish, as well as Radisson Banquets & Catering will be on-site to interview for many different roles including cooks, hosts, servers, stewards, and more!

Why Greenleaf?

As one of the Nation’s 101 Best & Brightest companies to work for, Greenleaf Hospitality Group (GHG), you have access to advantages and opportunities that improve your life, both personally and professionally. At GHG, you gain the experience of your position and workplace while enjoying many benefits and perks that are typically associated with larger organizations.

• 401k with contribution match (Full-Time option)
• Medical/Dental/Vision  (Full-Time option)
• Health and Wellness reimbursement
• 10% Discount on GHG outlets
• Complimentary Meal Break
• Discounted Hotel Rates
• Flexible Schedules

Click here to view all current openings.

GHG is comprised of 15 locally owned and operated businesses. These businesses include but are not limited to,  the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites, Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo Wings, Old Burdick’s Bar and Grill, Starbucks, and Wings West. View our family of brands here.

Kalamazoo, MI –  Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites of Kalamazoo, MI invites travelers and local guests to experience its completely renovated guest rooms, updated meeting & event spaces, and transformed lobby and social areas. The multi-million dollar renovation project began in 2020 and aimed to set a new standard for travelers visiting the greater Kalamazoo area.  

Centrally located in Downtown Kalamazoo and locally owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group, the Radisson is an upscale, full-service hotel with 340 guest rooms that is a fixture in the downtown community. “We are thrilled to unveil the updated spaces to leisure travelers, conference and meeting attendees, as well as our local community,” says Craig Davies, General Manager of the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites. “From the  complete floor-to-ceiling renovation of our guest rooms to the addition of our new mobile check-in option, we think guests will find the transformation – as Radisson Hotel Americas says – simply delightful.” 

Meeting & Event Spaces
All lower-level meeting & event spaces, including the popular wedding and convention location, The Kalamazoo Room, have been transformed into sleek and modern environments. The 50,000 sqft of versatile meeting space now provides a new experience for the thousands of returning conference guests annually as well as new elements to attract first-time organizations and businesses to the Kalamazoo area.

Guest Rooms
The new guest rooms create a calming ambiance while sleek minimalistic furniture provides more room without loss of functionality. The renovation had an emphasis on the use of technology with new in-room entertainment as well as a mobile check-in experience for guests’ convenience – available via the Radisson Kalamazoo App.

Social Spaces
Social spaces on the lower level, lobby, and second level feature an open, welcoming, and naturally calming atmosphere. Practical spaces to work, socialize, and relax contribute to a harmonious flow for meeting and event attendees as well as visiting guests.

“We can’t wait to welcome you all in the coming months to see the transformation for yourselves,” notes Davies. “Our team is excited to showcase the updates and see the impact our renovated spaces will have on travel to the Southwest Michigan region.”

To book a guest room or inquire about our hosting your next event at the Radisson, please visit radissonkz.com.

Media Kit
Please click here for photos and videos of the updated spaces for distribution. 

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Radisson Plaza Hotel offers an unmatched choice in world-class hospitality with 340 guest rooms and suites, outstanding amenities that include a heated indoor pool at the Kalamazoo Athletic Club, Blush Salon + Spa, and on-site restaurants like local favorite – Brick + Brine. Radisson Plaza Hotel is locally owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group. 

Greenleaf Hospitality Group (GHG) is comprised of Radisson Plaza Hotel, Wings Event Center, Wings West, the Kalamazoo Country Club, and several outlets located in each. GHG aims to make a positive impact on the greater Kalamazoo community by providing premier establishments for dining, hospitality, sports, and entertainment.   

Wednesday, August 17
10am – 1pm and 3pm –  6pm

Two Locations
Interviews are available for ALL Greenleaf Hospitality Group Open Positions at either location.
Visit the most convenient location to you!

Wings Event Center
3600 Vanrick Dr
Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Radisson Plaza Hotel
100 W. Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Job fair attendees will receive parking validation for the ramp attached to the Radisson.

The Greenleaf Hospitality Group (GHG) Job Fair will be hosted on Wednesday, August 17 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo and Wings Event Center, located off of Sprinkle Rd. Job Fair attendees are encouraged to visit whichever location is most convenient as interviews and applications for all GHG open positions will be available at both buildings.

Job fair attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about GHG from our leaders as well as interview on-site. There will be fun fair food as well as giveaways throughout each timeframe of the event.

GHG is comprised of 14 locally owned and operated businesses. These businesses include but are not limited to,  the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites, Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo Wings, Old Burdick’s Bar and Grill, Starbucks, and Wings West. View our family of brands here.

Some of the open positions GHG is looking to fill:

• Restaurant Cooks, Hosts, and Servers
• Banquet Cooks and Servers
• Valet Attendants
• Front Desk Agents
• Ticket Office Associates
• Baristas

And more!

Click here to view all current openings.

It’s with great excitement that we’d like to officially introduce the newest Greenleaf Hospitality Group restaurant, Brick and Brine, opening fall 2021 in Downtown Kalamazoo on the Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center lobby level!

Brick and Brine will feature seasonal New American fare, masterfully crafted cocktails, a variety of seating options, and a warm social atmosphere with an open-air concept – the first of its kind in downtown Kalamazoo.

Learn more and stay in the know on the latest Brick and Brine happenings by visiting brickandbrinekz.com and following Brick and Brine on Facebook and Instagram.