Marquette's Landmark Inn officially acquired by Graves Hospitality Corporation

The Landmark Inn in Marquette has a new owner, the Graves Hospitality Corporation.

It's not quite as much of a local-business-gets-bought-by-giant-corporation story as it sounds; a main partner in Graves Hospitality is Matthew Mering, a Marquette native.

The Landmark will join a portfolio of 19 hotels and restaurants owned by Graves in the Midwest, and will continue operating its in-house restaurants and bars, with some improvements, according to the announcement.

"We look forward to repositioning Capers restaurant into a fun and approachable concept that appeals to both hotel guests and Marquette residents alike," says Benjamin Graves, president and COO of Graves Hospitality.

The historic hotel has become something of a destination in Marquette, and Mering says that will be approached with the same care that former owner Christine Pesola gave it.

"It was important to the ownership group that whoever acquired the hotel continue with their philosophy of reinvesting in both the property and the local community, so GHC was a natural fit," says Mering. "I realize the importance the hotel holds for the community. It really is the living room of Marquette. We look at ourselves as long-term stewards of the Landmark Inn."

Graves Hospitality has developed and managed more than 100 hotels and restaurants, and also has worked with residential and commercial developments over the past 35 years.

Writer: Kim Eggleston
Source: Graves Hospitality Corporation