Sterling Hospitality is pleased to announce the promotion of two team members to new roles within the company. Ben Krawiecki has been elevated to the role of director of culinary and purchasing, and Mike Fickett has been promoted to director of support and client relations. 

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with Ben and Mike’s contribution to Sterling Hospitality and the growth of our concepts during their tenure across the board,” says John C. Metz, executive chef, CEO, and co-founder of Sterling Hospitality. “Their relationships, attention to detail and hospitality will enhance our offerings and be essential to our continued success.”

Krawiecki has been the research and development manager at Marlow’s Tavern since 2008. As a Culinary Institute of America (CIA)-trained chef, he has developed recipes, sourced the best ingredients, and created consistency in purchasing, while balancing between high-quality cuisine and profitable business practices.

In his new role, Krawiecki will work with all of Sterling’s dining operations and take the same skills and relationships into managing all facets of procurement, including adult beverages, with its beer, liquor, and wine for the entire company.

One of Krawiecki’s goals is to select vendors and purchasing partners with a purpose. “We have great relationships with our partners. Our working partnership goes beyond delivering produce or providing the best price; many of our partners support our causes and community outreach, including events like our golf tournament and help us raise money for Special Olympics Georgia and Share our Strength. We support them because they support us and those in our neighborhoods and communities,” says Krawiecki.

Fickett has been with Sterling Culinary Management since 2015, serving as the senior learning and development manager. As director of support and client relations, he will expand upon his training and employee development background, as well as oversee some of Sterling’s multi-unit and corporate dining clients, enhancing the client and guest relationships.

Just as he has grown with Sterling, Fickett wants to elevate others alongside him. “I am focused on continuing to increase the internal promotion rate within the company,” says Fickett. “The brand has tripled in size since I’ve started, and I hope to continue that growth.”