Kent State University Hotel Restaurant and Lounge Names Announced

The highly anticipated Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center in Kent, Ohio, which is currently under construction will feature a newly named on-site restaurant called ‘Zenas’ and a lounge called ‘1910’.

The restaurant is named after the patriarch of the Kent family, Zenas Kent, who established the family’s business and land holdings in the area. From these holdings, his grandson, William, donated the first 53 acres which comprised the original Kent State campus. ‘Zenas’ is a Greek name, which literally means “hospitable”.

“We couldn’t think of a better name for our restaurant than ‘Zenas’, not only to symbolize our commitment to hospitality, but also to honor the Kent family, without which, Kent State, and indeed our hotel would not exist,” said Mike Riccio, General Manager of KSU Hotel and Conference Center.

The lounge, ‘1910’ was named after the year that the Kent State Normal School was established in Kent, Ohio. Normal schools are now known as teaching colleges, and the Kent State Normal School eventually became the Kent State University.

The Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center is located immediately adjacent to the Kent State University campus, at 215 South Depeyster Street, and is scheduled to open in mid-June, 2013. It will feature 94 rooms, with rates starting at around $139 per night.

The hotel will feature over 5,000 square feet of flexible Conference Space to be used for meetings, parties or weddings, a heated indoor pool, and workout facility. The property will be managed by Riley Hotel Group, a US top-100 hotel management company based out of Medina, Ohio.

About Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center:
Conveniently located in the heart of Kent Ohio's recently renovated and vibrant downtown area and immediately adjacent to the Kent State University campus, the 94 room boutique style hotel will feature over 5,000 square feet of flexible Conference Space, heated indoor pool, workout facility, and an onsite restaurant & lounge.

About Riley Hotel Group:
Established in 2003, Riley Hotel Group is a premier luxury development and management company dedicated to helping hotel owners provide superb levels of service. Riley provides lucrative partnerships to investment groups, developers, owners, and operators. The company’s portfolio includes independent and franchised hotels in California, Michigan, Ohio, Georgia, and Wyoming. Riley offers real estate brokerage, hospitality consulting, creative design, employee training, sales and marketing, and joint venture opportunities.

About Joseph Allen Agencies:
With over 40 years of combined experience, the principals at Joseph Allen specialize in design, marketing and public relations for a diverse portfolio of clientele. At JAA, they place a significant focus on appealing to human emotion and psyche. They can handle all aspects of design and marketing needs through their internal staff, as well as through their incomparable mix of strategic partners.

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