Ritz-Carlton Selects BLT Steak as Signature Restaurant in Charlotte, NC
CHEVY CHASE, MD, June 23, 2008. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. announces a partnership with BLT Restaurant Group to open BLT Steak at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte at Bank of America Center. BLT, or Bistro Laurent Tourondel, is the personal stamp of acclaimed chef and restaurateur Laurent Tourondel. The 147-room hotel is scheduled to open in 2009.
"We are very pleased that the first Ritz-Carlton in North Carolina will also feature the first BLT Steak in North Carolina," said Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer. "Chef Tourondel has redefined the traditional steakhouse and created award-winning restaurants in select cities across America." Combining the best products with his signature French accent, Tourondel's innovative approach has won him many honors in the culinary world including Bon App'etit magazine's "Restaurateur of the Year" in 2007.
"As Charlotte continues to grow as a business center, so does the city's dining audience. BLT Steak is a natural fit for the community and we are thrilled to be opening our first North Carolina restaurant in partnership with Ritz-Carlton," says Managing Partner Jimmy Haber.
Located off the main lobby of the Ritz-Carlton, BLT Steak will be accessible both through the hotel and via a dedicated entrance on College Street. BLT Steak in Charlotte will offer prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, a wide variety of tempting side dishes, and classic American dessert favorites.
The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte at Bank of America Center is part of the broad Bank of America Center development underway in uptown Charlotte, including the 30-story office tower, 1 Bank of America Center. The Urban Garden at Bank of America Center will adjoin the tower and the hotel, all of which will be connected to Founders Hall across College Street via twin crystalline skybridges.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
