About Us
who we are?
As a vertically integrated real-estate development company, Landmark Developers, is distinguished by its reputation to transform unique or abandoned historical properties into vibrant hotels, restaurants, bars, curated rooftops, and event spaces. Envisioning the real estate’s full potential, a product of the company’s 25-year history, lends to our ambitious vision for adaptive reuse and expansion of iconic properties and locations. Balancing progressive site plans, sensitive to environmental impact while showcasing the aesthetic of the neighboring architecture – reflects the genuine authenticity of the communities we are enhancing.
Our sister company, Landmark Hospitality, is a long-time industry leader in concepting, designing, and operating hotels, restaurants, bars/nightlife, and event venues. Utilizing well-articulated chef-driven dining and event programming, our food and beverage outlets drive energy in our hotel lobbies and profit to our bottom line. In the past two decades, we have hosted more events in the market than our comparable competitive set, resulting in industry-leading revenues. Developing and efficiently operating the brands within the brands has proven to drive more room nights, raise REVPAR, and maximize margins.
Landmark Developers and Landmark Hospitality’s, principals and visionaries Frank and Jeanne Cretella bring a vibrancy and passion for development which is only matched by their love of hospitality, which is reflected in the 16 beautiful venues (which totals 1.25 million square feet on over 100 acres) they currently own and operate along with 3 future projects currently under development.
Operating in a relationship-based business, they place incredible value on the people and the communities they serve while placing a large emphasis on their teams; the duo actively supports and enables growth and development.
Landmark Developers and Landmark Hospitality are not just about business. They are philanthropically rich and deeply committed to corporate social responsibility. They have established two foundations, ‘The Art of Hospitality: Hospitality Workers Alliance’ and ‘Business for Better Neighborhoods’, in addition to their long running ‘H.U.G’ {help us give} program. These initiatives are all designed to benefit the communities they serve, reflecting their well-founded core values and commitment to social responsibility.
Leveraging proprietary historic data, we focus on the development and acquisition of off-market quintessential and irreplaceable assets. Collaborating with industry-leading architects and engineers, all our projects are meticulously managed by our own boutique design and construction firm Black Dog.
Landmark Developers is poised to expand upon our current industry position and assets. Our current portfolio of restaurants, venues, and hotels will continue to grow progressively year over year, but with an eye towards continued market expansion, we are looking for like-minded, trusted investors looking for exciting syndication opportunities to grow their personnel wealth as we continue to expand and explore all possibilities.
our brands
Albion
Urban Vibes meet boutique-style hipness! Cultivated design resonates throughout our amenity rich social areas and then transitions to the restful comfort of our stylish rooms. Inspired hospitality spaces showcasing award winning restaurants ensure all guest needs and expectations are exceeded. Albion the colorful side of Luxury.
Anzu Social
The newest brand under the Landmark umbrella, Anzu Social is a socially transporting Pan Asian Experience. Drawing on rich Asian traditions to create bold moments, the beauty of the space paired with exotic flavors allow guests the chance to feast with their eyes and mouths.
Felina
Jersey attitude Italian Roots. The critically acclaimed, ever expanding Felina Restaurant brand, focuses on the dishes that defined generations. From our humble roots at the Original Felina in Plainfield to the high design of our outpost in the Albion at Summit – this American take on Italian Tradition would make grandma proud!
Maddy Rose
Coastal cuisine, craft beverages, and a vibrant atmosphere add to this playful Mediterranean – inspired concept where guests revel in both the energy and upscale dining experience. World class mixologists match the musical vibe at this scenic icon.
Pumphouse Beer Garden
Refreshingly unique beer garden experience. Showcasing over 40 beers on tap, including local brewery favorites in a communal in and outdoor environment. Watch the game, enjoy Live Music or participate in our multiple activations throughout the space.
Stork Club | Landmark Club
An exclusive private membership club, designed for entertaining and taking part in exceptional programming. We create a dynamic environment where deals are made, and business and pleasure seamlessly intertwine. Our community elevates your lifestyle – with unparallelled dining, authentic travel, business networking and engaging collaborations.
our team
Landmark Developers
As a vertically integrated company, we are concurrently proficient at acquiring real estate, developing, designing, branding, and ultimately operating the property and business within. This successful full-circle approach has allowed us to maximize and enhance the value of the initial investment, along with creating high revenue and strong margin business models.
Founder & CEO
Frank Cretella
The founder of Black Dog Construction and everything Landmark, has over four decades of construction, development and operations experience in NJ, NY, and PA urban markets. Frank established Landmark Developers as a boutique hospitality real estate development company. Its in-house construction firm, BDC, enables the control of all facets of project development, from concept to completion. Once construction and development are completed, Landmark Hospitality, our lifestyle & events company, takes over the project.
Chief Financial Officer
Scott Grogan
Scott Grogan is responsible for all the company’s financial functions including accounting, audit, treasury, corporate finance, and investor relations. His career spans more than 21 years of varied experience in financial management, business leadership, and corporate strategy. Scott’s years of experience began in bank & financing and then moved into hospitality with a restaurant chain which operated across the country with several franchise brands.
Executive assistant to Frank Cretella
Mav Cubero
Mav Cubero has been a part of the hospitality industry for over 15 years. After graduating from the Art Institute of NY and Montclair State, she started her career with Addison Hospitality Group overseeing the office, events, promotions and opening new hotel restaurants and rooftops throughout NYC. Mav transitioned into Real Estate Development at Kushner where she realized her passion for both Real Estate and Hospitality. In October of 2019 she joined Landmark as Executive Assistant to Frank Cretella, where she is able to work in the best of both worlds, Hospitality and Real Estate Development.
People & Culture Advocates
President Landmark Hospitality | People and Culture Advocate
Jeanne Cretella
As President of Landmark Hospitality, Jeanne’s focus is on operations and instilling company culture, which is based on creating memories for both our team and guests. Believing strongly in the importance of embracing the communities in which Landmark does business, a corporate giving program, “Help Us Give” (HUG) was established in 2001 and is dedicated to helping each of the communities in which Landmark operates. Currently, Jeanne serves on the Executive Foundation Board of Hudson County Community College and the Executive Board of the NJ Restaurant & Hospitality Association. In 2020, Jeanne become a board member of the National Restaurant Association as well as the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce.
Executive Director, Art of Hospitality Workers Alliance
Leslie Steele
Leslie Steele joined the Landmark family as the Executive Director or our non-profit, Art of Hospitality Workers Alliance. The goal of this 501 c3 is to support the needs and dreams of hospitality workers by offering career paths, growth opportunities, and propelling career and personal advancement, as well as offering financial support during times of need. Steele provides valuable insight from her previous endeavors, including her tenure as Chief Operating Officer of NJ Restaurant and Hospitality Association and Vice President of NJ Restaurant Educational Foundation. Steele’s goal as Executive Director of Art of Hospitality, same as her previous endeavors, specializes in education and workforce development for the industry as well as administering grants and scholarships.
Landmark Garlic Press Community Specialist
Jessica Mellen
Jessica Mellen is the Landmark Garlic Press Specialist for Landmark Hospitality. After graduating with her Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Caldwell University and a Digital Marketing Certificate from Montclair State University, Jessica started her career at Palermo Bakery as social media assistant, then working at Landmark with the marketing department specializing in social media. She now spearheads the company culture aspect of Landmark which includes onboarding hiring experiences, team buildings throughout the company, as well as monitoring and creating content for our internal progressive web application called The Garlic Press, where all things Landmark are curated throughout the application.
Educate the Block
Alycea Nightingale
Alycea Nightingale serves as the Founder and Executive Director of Educate The Block (ETB), a New Jersey Private Career School dedicated to providing vocational training in various fields, including the Hospitality Industry, Culinary Arts, Multi-Media Certification Programs for Media Production, Graphic & Web Design, the pioneering NJ Merchant Mariner Union Program, and a comprehensive array of Personal Development Programs.
Art of Hospitality Workers Alliance
Philanthropically rich, Landmark Hospitality, founded The Art of Hospitality Workers Alliance. Designed to support and benefit hospitality workers, with accredited programing, offering growth opportunity and advancement we work with our students on establishing individual career paths. Centered in Plainfield, with satellite locations in Jersey City and Summit our primary goal is to serve as a resource for an industry that is driven on a selfless passion for giving. Our curriculum is designed for professionals at any stage inclusive of entrepreneurs looking to launch their dreams. Landmark Hospitality is not only a leader in the hospitality industry but a strong supporter of the people and communities we serve.
The Mission of the Foundation is to support the needs and dreams of hospitality workers by offering career paths, growth opportunities and propelling career advancement while offering financial support.
We are committed to acting as a safety net to hospitality workers in Hudson and Union Counties and believe that the hospitality industry is one that provides endless opportunities for all. It is an industry which has no bias, and an individual’s achievements are limitless if they possess a willingness to learn and have a passion for giving.
Pie Lab
Landmark Hospitality’s, always trending, female-led team of expert account managers is setting the standard for how brands communicate and resonate through digital marketing and client engagement. As your marketing partner, we provide brands with strategic development, creative production, social media management, paid media management, and influencer marketing. When it comes to hospitality, we know what people want and how to reach and convert them into engaged customers and brand advocates.
Director of Engagement And Marketing
Maddy Cretella
In addition to being second generation in this family business, Maddy Cretella is the Director of Engagement and Marketing at Landmark Hospitality. Inspired by the industry contributions of her parents, Landmark’s founders, Frank and Jeanne Cretella, Maddy spearheads the company’s success and expansion by continuing the memory-making culture and growth of the Landmark brand.
After completing her college education at Monmouth University with a double major in business management and public relations, Maddy began her career as a wedding cake designer and event stylist. She soon after found her niche in hospitality marketing, embracing the creative nature of the role and the opportunity to work with family. Since starting at Landmark in 2015, Maddy has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of New Jersey two years running, and among the 30 Under 30 Top Rising Stars in Hotel Management. Her work to date has successfully grown Landmark’s reach with real estate acquisitions, e-commerce platforms, non-profit contributions, profitability, curating impactful social, digital, print advertising, and campaigns.
Lifestyle & Branding Manager
Kristin Levens
Kristin graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI with a B.S. in Marketing. She joined Landmark Hospitality in 2021 as the Wedding Branding & Media Manager. In 2023, Kristin became the Lifestyle Branding & Media Manager, shifting her focus from Landmark’s wedding venues to Landmark’s restaurants, bars, and hotels. With her graphic design background, she spearheads all digital and print marketing including social media, email campaigns, print advertisements, signage, and more. She works closely with the operational teams to plan and execute house events, menu launches, and holiday promotions, while managing third party websites including Landmark’s online store, all restaurant websites, and OpenTable.
Landmark Hospitality Operations
Experienced Leaders in the hospitality industry, representing a portfolio of unique 19 venues, with more projects coming. Each venue features a wide array of industry recognized food & beverage outlets in addition to luxurious wedding, corporate and social event spaces and boutique hotels. Our hospitality leadership showcases the markets top-talent.
SVP, Culinary Operations
Anthony Bucco
A leading industry figure in the vibrant New Jersey restaurant scene, with an illustrious career that spans several decades. In his current role as the Senior Vice President of Culinary Operations, Chef Bucco oversees Landmark’s widespread portfolio of seven restaurants, and serves as a mentor to numerous budding talents across the company and state.
Throughout his culinary journey, Chef Bucco has received widespread acclaim, including a coveted 4-star rating from the Star-Ledger, as well as the highest rating (Excellent) from The New York Times and AAA’s prestigious Four Diamond Award. Chef Bucco’s leadership in renowned establishments such as Landmark Hospitality’s The Ryland Inn and Felina has left an indelible mark on the New Jersey restaurant landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Anthony Bucco is known for his philanthropic spirit, supporting various charitable causes including advocating for small-family farmers, improving school lunch programs, combating hunger, and nurturing culinary education.
SVP, Tactical Facility Operations
Jonathan Hunterton
Jonathan is an operator with vast experience, a background in culinary operations, business, logistics, hospitality and facilities. Jonathan was the General Manager for Landmark Hospitalities flag ship, The Liberty House, for 5 years. His experience as a District Manager with a global company, Bowlmor AMF, and Culinary District Manager for Tiff’s Bar & Grill and Johnny Carinos rounds off his 24 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Jonathan has experience with coordinating and executing events with guest counts in thousands, interaction and coordination with production firms and has been a part of 21 new openings.
SVP, Service & Training
Thomas McAteer
Raised and educated in Scotland, Thomas came to the United States in his twenties. With an impressive 30+ years of experience in fine dining, Thomas brings a desire for excellence, passion for service, and love of local ingredients. Throughout his career Thomas’ undying passion for hospitality – and particularly for those who make it work – has been unfaltering. Starting with Landmark as the General Manager of the Ryland Inn in 2014, Thomas quickly grew with the company and is now leading Services and Training for Landmark Hospitality as Senior Vice President. Thomas looks forward to many more years in what is the most exciting and rewarding work environment of his professional career. His management skills show his dedication to the hospitality industry as does his commitment to continually act as a resource to our venue managers and Memorymaker team members.
SVP, Sales, Personalization, & Landmark Club
John Williams
With a career spanning over two decades in the hospitality industry, John brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. Throughout John’s career, he has been involved with some of the best-in-class restaurants, developers, and hospitality firms, lending his expertise and consulting services to help them succeed. John held senior positions at renowned hotel and hospitality companies such as Marriott, W Hotels, Starr Restaurants, and Jean George. Presently at Landmark, John is the Senior Vice President of Sales, Personalization, and Landmark Club. His primary focus is leading the sales teams and driving top-line revenue across the organization, combining impactful strategies with thoughtful execution to enhance business performance and achieve profitable growth.
Controller
Jigar Patel
Jigar is an experienced finance professional responsible for all accounting and financial reporting functions. With over a decade of experience, he began his career as an auditor for a large “Big-4” public accounting firm before transitioning to roles in financial reporting, management, and due diligence across various sectors, including insurance, consulting, and hospitality. Jigar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and an MBA in Professional Accounting from Rutgers University. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New Jersey and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder.
Event Concierge Manager
Kelly Bartolome
Kelly graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a bachelor’s in hospitality and Tourism Management. Her career started in Marriott hotels until she joined Landmark Hospitality as the Event Concierge Manager in June 2021. She is responsible for leading the concierge team who schedules appointments to tour our 13+ wedding venues.
Black Dog Construction
Landmark Developers boutique design and construction firm, we specialize in the preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings, and their adaptive reuse. With over four decades of proven industry success, in both urban and rural areas; guiding conversions on a range of projects including hotels, residential, retail and transit village developments. Our knowledge and integration of the latest innovations in design, construction practices, materials, and technology ensure the highest standards of quality and efficiency – instilling confidence and earning us a reputation as a trusted partner to city and building officials.
President Black Dog Construction
John Mazza
With over three decades of experience in multimillion dollar project development and execution, John partnered with Landmark Hospitality /Black Dog Construction Owner Frank Cretella in 2009 and has been supporting BDC as a partner. Active with local universities and Kiwanian since 2002, he has served his community in various capacities, both as a president and maintained a seat on several prestigious board of directors.
Director Construction
Keri Knowles
With over fifteen years of experience in hospitality, Keri Knowles has garnered acclaim for her visionary approach in crafting spaces that foster meaningful human connections. Renowned for her adept management of complex dynamics, Keri specializes in optimizing venues to facilitate rich social interactions. Her passion lies in curating environments that inspire gatherings and heighten social experiences, viewing elements like function, design, and technology as tools to serve her overarching mission as an experience designer.
Now with Landmark, Keri’s impact extends beyond design as she serves as a catalyst for industry evolution, bridging the gap between traditional norms and modern demands. From overseeing project coordination to ensuring meticulous attention to detail in wide-scale transformations, Keri’s hands-on approach keeps processes on track while maintaining effective communication. Her expertise spans the full lifecycle of social space design and creation, prioritizing inviting ambiance and accessibility in every project. Drawing from a rich heritage in hospitality and academic training in design and collaborative management, Keri brings a unique blend of tradition and innovation to her work.
Project Management (BDC)
Christina Colon
With 15 years of project management experience, Christina Colon understands the complexities of the construction industry. Working as a Project Manager on a variety of assignments ranging from ground-up new construction projects to historical renovations. Her ability to manage the sequencing of a project, coupled with strong client relationships, makes her a positive addition to any construction project team. Christina holds a bachelor’s degree in Women and Gender Studies from Rutgers University.
Crave Craft Provisions
Seeking out ways to increase profitability while reducing redundancies, resulted in our ever-evolving commissary operation Craft Crave Provisions. From the heart of our homebase, CCP, we strategically control culinary production from procurement to execution, yielding tremendous operational advantages. Heavy on technology but balanced with artisanal craftsmanship, this state-of-the art facility allows for noticeable savings across our company on labor and cost of goods, while ensuring consistent results on our guests favorite Landmark Hospitality dishes.
VP Purchasing & Culinary Operations
Christine Ayers
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Christine Ayers, forged her reputation as a culinary artist with support of outstanding mentors in the finest kitchens in Manhattan, including Daniel Boulud at Restaurant Daniel, and in New Jersey from the acclaimed Chef Craig Shelton at the Ryland Inn. When Landmark purchased The Farmhouse in December of 2019, Ayers was the Executive Chef there. Landmark quickly learned of her talents and together they decided Ayer’s would spearhead the culinary division of Hotel du Village and Elkins Estate, two of Landmark’s Pennsylvania locations. In April of 2024, Landmark transitioned Ayers to her current role as Vice President of Purchasing and Culinary Operations. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a relentless drive to push culinary boundaries, Ayers continues to make her mark on the culinary world. Her talent, passion, and dedication are evident in every dish she creates, leaving a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of experiencing her exceptional culinary creations. Ayers is a current member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the oldest and largest food and wine society in the world, frequently creating tasting menus paired with the world’s best wines for the international gastronomic society.