Sheraton Erie Bayfront is Sweet on Local Vendor

MERRILLVILLE, Ind., Dec. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sheraton Erie Bayfront, a hotel whose food and beverage operation is ranked within the top one percent within the Sheraton brand, continues to seek new ways to remain within this elite group. "We are now sourcing a good portion of our baked goods from Icing on the Lake, a local bakery here in Erie, Pennsylvania," said Thomas Bednar the hotel's Food and Beverage Manager.  Named White Lodging's Food and Beverage Manager of the year in 2010, Bednar is known for his creative and innovative ways of managing his operation.

In explaining the move, Executive Chef Michael Cerrie said, "We try and work with as many local companies as possible. It's not only good for the local economy, it also helps us develop good relationships within the community.  Icing on the Lake is recognized as a destination bakery on the banks of Lake Erie and, like the Sheraton, they also work with many local vendors."

"We are thrilled to enter into a partnership with the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel," Icing on the Lake Owner Heidi M. Fette shared. "It's an honor to be affiliated with such a wonderful organization that shares our vision of quality and exceptional customer service with a personal touch."

Located on Presque Isle Bay, the Sheraton Erie Bayfront is connected by a skywalk to the Bayfront Convention Center and is in the heart of Erie's Bayfront Marina District.  With 200 guest rooms and 5,800 square feet of flexible meeting space, the hotel draws convention goers as well as guests in town visiting the numerous cultural and natural wonders of northern Pennsylvania.

"Our beautiful Harlequin Ballroom has windows on three sides and offers wonderful views of the surrounding waterscape and city," said Chuck Collins the General Manager at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront.

"We also have the Bayfront grill where guests can dine inside or out and the Bayfront lounge with large windows facing the water.  When you dine with us, you'll feel like you're at a fine resort."

Collins said he believes the hotel's partnership with Icing on the Lake will be an asset to anyone who uses the services of the food and beverage department or dines from the hotel's menu. "They bake from scratch every day and are masters at turning out some incredibly tempting items."

The Sheraton Erie Bayfront is one of four hotels in Pennsylvania managed by White Lodging of Merrillville, Indiana.

White Lodging Services Corporation was established in 1985 and is headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana. White Lodging is a fully integrated hotel ownership, development, and operations company – a recognized leader that has defined and cultivated the ability to achieve consistent, sustainable growth among mid- to large-scale hotels across the country. Their current portfolio consists of over 157 hotels in 19 states and encompasses representation of the following leading brands: Preferred Hotels, Marriott International, Inc., Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Global, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotel Group, and Carlson Hotels Worldwide.

For more information about White Lodging, please visit www.whitelodging.com or call 219-472-2900. For more information about the Sheraton Erie Bayfront, please visit www.sheratoneriebayfront.com or call Chuck Collins at 814-454-2005.

SOURCE White Lodging Services Corporation