The Hospitality Diversity Action Council (HDAC) has announced Brittano Group founders Julian and Karie Brittano as the winners of its fifth annual Awards of Excellence. The honor recognizes exemplary work by individuals and companies that are working to advance the hospitality industry through the promotion of diversity, inclusivity, and equity.
The dynamic husband-and-wife duo began their love story and entrepreneurial journey in 2015, after a chance online meeting evolved into a lunch date in Atlanta. At the time, Julian was transitioning from his career in the nightlife hospitality and his role in the Oprah Winfrey Network TV series Greenleaf to broader endeavors in the film industry, while Karie, a licensed general contractor, was managing commercial development projects.
Bringing together their unique expertise, the Brittanos launched Brittano Group—a development venture based in High Point, North Carolina—in 2018, followed by the creation of its subsidiary, Rook Hotels, four years later. With a vision to blend thoughtful design and functionality, they strive to cover all corners, as symbolized by their chess-inspired Rook brand name.
In 2023, they entered into a public-private partnership with the Virginia town of South Boston to revive the former John Randolph Hotel into the 30-key Rook Hotel South Boston, set to debut in this fall. They also signed with Choice Hotels’ Ascend Collection, are the first brand partner of Choice’s Emerging Markets division, and are part of the company’s HERtels program, which empowers female entrepreneurs throughout their ownership journey.
“Karie and Julian Brittano embody the principles celebrated by the Award of Excellence,” says Archit Sawhney, a HDAC member and studio design lead at Chicago firm Harken Interiors. “Their development approach, led by their commitment to innovation and community enhancement, exemplifies a forward-thinking strategy that leverages hospitality projects as catalysts for positive change. With the small amount of Black-owned hoteliers globally, they serve as an inspiration to our industry and worthy of this recognition.”
The Brittanos, along with all of this year’s HD Awards winners and finalists, will be honored on May 6th during a ceremony at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, held in conjunction with HD Expo + Conference. Purchase tickets today!
