submitted by the West Michigan Tourist Association

MUSKEGON, MI – Parkland Properties of Michigan, a real estate development and hospitality firm that operates the Shoreline Inn & Conference Center, Delta Hotels by Marriott Muskegon/Convention Center, Lake House Waterfront Grille & Event Center, Walker’s An American Brasserie, Lake Effect Bistro, and the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center, has appointed Peter Birk as Executive Chef.

Peter has over 20 years of experience in providing kitchen leadership in large operations such as McCormick’s & Schmick’s in Los Angeles and Kansas City; Ray’s Boathouse, Café & Catering in Seattle; and TEN/The Northern Hotel in Billings, Montana. Upon relocating back to West Michigan, Peter served as Executive Chef for New Hotel Mertens and the Kent Country Club, prior to taking off time off to spend with his newborn child.

Peter will join Michael Hart, who was appointed as Food & Beverage Director for Parkland Properties in late June. Michael also has over 20 years of experience in the industry leading organizations such as the Elephant Bar Restaurant southern region (consisting of their Arizona, New Mexico, Missouri and Florida locations), the Firebird Restaurant Group in Texas, and Restaurant Partners in Michigan.

With the recent opening of the VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center, Parkland Properties has placed an emphasis on expanding and developing its food & beverage operations.

“With the addition of the Convention Center, we felt it was important to recruit talent that has experience leading large-scale food & beverage operations”, said Jon Rooks, owner of Parkland Properties. “We were looking for not only a deep understanding of the industry, but also level-headedness and the ability to help navigate us through the challenges that our industry is still facing. We are super excited about Michael and Peter, and what they will be able to do for not only our existing operations, but also our planned future operations across West Michigan.”

These future operations may include an 11th floor, rooftop bar on top of the Shoreline Inn Hotel, which Parkland is considering adding in late 2022.

“It would be the tallest rooftop bar – with views of Lake Michigan – in the State, and another great attraction for Downtown Muskegon”.