John Metz, executive chairman for Metz Culinary Management, has accepted the prestigious appointment as the next Walter J. Conti Professor of Hospitality Management in Penn State’s College of Health and Human Development for the Spring 2012 semester. The Conti Professorship Program recognizes leaders within the hospitality industry and invites them to visit the school to interact with students and faculty and present guest lectures.
“It’s an incredible honor to be selected as Conti Professor—one that I humbly accept,” says Metz. “I look forward to working with the faculty, staff and students at Penn State’s School of Hospitality Management and will offer any insight or guidance I can provide them.”
Established by alumni and friends of the Penn State School of Hospitality Management in 1987, the Conti Professorship Program honors renowned restaurateur Walter J. Conti for his contribution to Penn State University and the hospitality profession. As Conti Professor, Metz will regularly collaborate with students and faculty of Penn State’s school of Hospitality Management to present lectures on pertinent issues facing the hospitality industry and his career path and success in foodservice management. He will also speak at graduate and undergraduate academic seminars.
Metz began his career in the food service management industry in 1967 with the founding of Custom Management Corp. Custom Management was acquired by Morrison’s Hospitality Group, during which Metz oversaw the growth of more than 900 accounts. In 1993, he was awarded franchise rights from T.G.I. Friday’s restaurant chain and currently operates 13 franchises across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
In 1994, Metz started Metz and Associates, Ltd., a dining services management company that expanded into facilities management in 2000. Metz Culinary Management currently has 150 clients in business, industry, healthcare, schools, colleges and universities.