Business Digest: Antone to head Chattanoogan food, beverage

Antone to head Chattanoogan food, beverage

The Chattanoogan hotel, a Benchmark Hotel, has named Bill Antone director of food and beverage.

Antone was previously director of food and beverage for Choctaw Casino Durant, a four diamond property located in Durant, Okla. He also previously served as director of hospitality for Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel in Tama, Iowa. He also worked for 12 years in the Atlanta market and spent four years in Biloxi, Miss. at the 1,800-room Beau Rivage Resort and Casino. Earlier in his career, Antone invested six years in positions of increasing responsibility with Omni Hotels and Resorts.

Antone is a graduate of Florida State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Administration. He and his family are relocating to Chattanooga.

“We look forward to his creative leadership as we continue to strengthen and innovate our culinary program,” said Tom Cupo, Benchmark’s general manager for the property.

Thrush directs programs for WGOT-FM radio

Cumulus Media has appointed Reid Thrush as program director for 107.9 NASH Icon (WOGT-FM) in Chattanooga. Thrush joins Cumulus from New South Communications in Jackson, Miss. Prior to that, he was program director for three stations owned by the West Virginia Radio Corp. and for radio stations in Savannah, Ga., and Charleston, SC.

“NASH Icon is my radio station. I love the format,” said Thrush. “And to be in one of the most beautiful cities in America, I can’t thank Corporate PD Bob Raleigh, SVP Mike McVay and the folks at Cumulus Chattanooga enough for this amazing opportunity.”

Matthews joins Crye-Leike office

Gale Matthews, who has worked in the real estate industry for the past 33 years in various areas along the east coast, has joined the Crye-Leike office in Ooltewah.

Throughout her real estate tenure, Matthews has worked in all phases of the industry from administration and management to sales. She has also previously owned and operated her own real estate and mortgage companies.

“We are very glad to have Gale joining our team here in Ooltewah,” said Dan Griess, Crye-Leike General Manager, Chattanooga Region. “She brings many years of real estate success and experience and will be a great fit with our company.”

Matthews assists buyers and sellers in Hamilton County and is licensed in Florida and Tennessee.

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