Experience and Relationships Matter!

Your Proven Airport Concessions Partner

At Cato Hospitality Group, we aim to protect and safeguard profitability and create a conduit for achieving investment objectives. 

Michael E. Washington, founded Cato Hospitality Group and Palazzo Concessions with his wife Stasia Washington.  We are celebrating 15 years of working in the airport concession business, consulting and 25 years of experience as a hotel general manager and hospitality executive.

Cato Hospitality Group is known for leading hotel management and concessions operations to outstanding award-winning industry performance scores and awards. We are a transformational group experienced in driving operations, sales, marketing, revenue, and financial management. We are reliable and trustworthy and collaborates with investors to optimize operations and profits.

As an ACDBE & DBE Firm, we intentionally partner with major primes and operate successful concessions both street side and in airports while assisting and mentoring others to do business in the airport ecosystem.

Our leadership experience is unique and diverse, which gives us an innate understanding of what expertise and high-value operational assistance are needed to be successful.

Our core competencies are:
  • Concessions Operations
  • Operational Evaluations and Execution
  • Project Management
  • Concept and Brand Development
  • Construction Management
  • Budget Forecasting and Preparation·
  • Training and Development·
  • Meeting & Event Planning·
  • Corporate Travel Agency·
  • Marketing and Strategic Plan Creation·
  • Corporate Travel Agency
  • Public Speaking
Stasia Washington

VISION

Cato Hospitality Group’s vision is to be the most sought-after ACDBE/DBE Firm while assisting others to achieve their goals.

Our vision includes:

  • Use our talents and resources to improve the communities in which we operate and beyond.
  • Assist others in becoming the best business operators and leaders in the industry.
  • Nurture and empower our workforce through training and development.
  • Fostering a service-driven, high-performance culture.
  • Crafting unforgettable customer experiences to encourage return visits.
  • Leading a successful team capable of replicating a winning business model.

Executive HOSPITALITY Leadership EXPERIENCE

logo1
logo2
logo3
logo4
logo5
logo6
logo7

WHY CATO HOSPITALITY?

Collaborating with Cato Hospitality Group offers your firm a distinct competitive advantage with over 25 years in the hospitality industry and 15 years specializing in Airport Concessions & consultants. Michael is teamed up with The Hudson Group, HMS Host, parent company Avolta in multiple joint ventures for specialty retail, travel convenience, and food & beverage at the following airports: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Portland International Airport (PDX).

Michael Washington

Education:

  • Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School Graduate. PKE, MBA

Leadership Experience & Accolades:

  • Michael was named to Sheraton’s “General Manager’s Advisory Council” of twenty, representing 433 Sheraton’s Worldwide.
  • Named Top General Manager “Power at the Front Door” by the Trumpet Awards.
  • Received the APEX Awards as the “Top International Hospitality Leader” by the International Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Organization for Hotel Industry Leader who has positively impacted travel and tourism worldwide.
  • The National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners (NCMBP) recognized Michael as one of the “Top General Managers.”
  • Starwood Hotels & Resorts recognized The Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles and the Westin LAX under Michael’s leadership in three key areas:
    • Sales & Marketing Team of the Year
    •  Best Food & Beverage Hotel of the Year
    •  Revenue Management Team of the Year
  • Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles was named Trip Advisor’s #2 Ranked “Top Business Hotel in Los Angeles” in 2011 and 2012.
  • Paparazzi Ristorante received “Top Italian Restaurant” in Southern California and “Top Chef,” voted by the Restaurant Critic’s Association of Southern CA.

Non-Profit Leadership:

  • Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC), Trade Board Member & Western Regional Director.
  • Los Angeles Tourism & Convention, Board Member.
  • Advocates for Professional Golf Association (APGA), President of the Foundation.
  • Airport Minority Advisory Council-Los Angeles Southern California Chapter Founder, Board Member and Secretary
  • Former Co-Chair OF West Angeles Church Property Expansion Program, Family Life Center, and DE&I.
 

Paparazzi Ristorante Case Study

Challenge:
To redesign and rebrand Shula’s struggling steakhouse to a bustling Italian restaurant with a fixed budget

Actions:
Michael and his team first conducted market research to understand the needs of travelers to the airport. After getting a greater understanding of the consumer, we:

  • Transition the concept to a more business traveler, women & family-friendly restaurant.
  • Upgraded the interior, decor, team uniforms to a less intimidating and more inviting environment.
  • Transformed the technology and operations to optimize the guest experience while creating efficiencies.
  • Optimized the menu for more significant financial results and customer satisfaction.
  • Hired a new chef and retrained the leadership team to demonstrate functional excellence and foster customer focus.
  • Transformed and empowered the team to identify challenges early on and make game-time decisions.
Results:
  • Improved efficiencies, customer satisfaction, profit margins, and employee satisfaction scores.
  • Won the “Food & Beverage Hotel” of the Year from Starwood Hotels and Resorts
  • Chef was recognized as “Chef of the Year” by the Southern California Restaurant Writers & Critics Association.
  • Named one of the “Top Ten Italian Restaurants” in Los Angeles by Gayot.

contact us

Michael E. Washington
13428 Maxella Ave | Suite 146 | Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
310-686-4925
mewsew1@gmail.com