A new owner has taken the helm at the Best Western Plus Grand Seasons Hotel.
Jay Batra, who has owned a Ramada Inn in northern Arkansas for the past three years, purchased the local Best Western on April 1. He has 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
“I fell in love with the property, as well as with the community,” Batra said when asked about his purchase.
“I received a warm, welcoming reception despite the cold weather,” he added. “It’s a lot different from being in any other part of the country.”
Batra, who has taken over the general manager’s responsibilities, has moved to Waupaca with his family. He and his wife have two children, ages 4 and 2.
He noted that the hotel is in an excellent location and well-built with a good infrastructure.
Batra said the local facility is one of only 10 out of 52 Wisconsin Best Western hotels to earn a Best Western Plus designation.
“The people who operate this facility are our biggest strength,” he said.
Best Western employs about 50 people in Waupaca.
David Habighorst has been named the new assistant general manager. Employed with Best Western in Waupaca for the past 13 years, Habighorst will be handling sales and marketing, as well as operations and daily activities.
Erin Helgeson will continue in her role as director of sales, handling special events.
Among the changes under way, Batra plans to launch Fancy Fork Catering, which will provide catering for both on-site and
off-site events.
“We will be able to serve anything within a 30-mile radius,” Batra said. “We won’t have any limits on the menu. We will serve anything from hot dogs to steaks.”
“With our catering business, we will take care of whatever needs to be done,” Habighorst added.
“We want to be one of the best venues for weddings and wedding receptions,” Batra said. “We will be introducing several wedding packages.”
Batra also plans changes in the hotel’s lounge. It will have a new name, the Crossroads Bar, and a new menu.
“I personally don’t like frozen food, so we will be getting rid of all the frozen items,” Batra said. “The lounge will have more of a bar and grill feel. We will offer fresh meat and fresh vegetables.”
Batra said there will also be cosmetic changes to the hallways, as well as all new beds and new TVs installed next year.
“We want to make sure that this is a positive change,” Batra said.