New York City Restaurateur to Visit Pitt-Bradford November 16

New York City restaurateur Mechel Thompson will visit the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford on Monday, Nov. 16, to speak to students of Dr. Philippe van Berten, assistant professor of business management and marketing. The public is welcome to attend.

The lecture by Thompson, who co-owned Maroons Jamaican-Southern restaurant in the Chelsea section of Manhattan until earlier this year, will take place from 11 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. in Room 162 of Swarts Hall.

Thompson will speak to students about creating and managing a concept restaurant and about his brand experience in the luxury industry.

Following the closing of the highly successful Maroons, Thompson now works for one of the world’s largest luxury retailers.

“He is a recognized leader in the hospitality industry, and his firsthand knowledge is sought after in the areas of marketing and business development,” van Berten said.

Thompson has appeared on the Food network, in various magazine and newspaper articles and in “The Magical Melting Pot,” a collection of recipes and childhood memories from America’s leading chefs.

Born in rural Jamaica, Thompson has traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia and currently lives in Manhattan.