For Immediate Release

Press Contacts: Larry Meehan lmeehan@bostonusa.com direct line for media: 617-867-8231; Stacy Shreffler, Media Relations & Tourism Sales Manager, direct line: 617-867-8203 / email: sshreffler@BostonUSA.com 
Available for media: High-resolution images of award recipients.

Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau recognizes five front-line hospitality staff for

2008 Anthony Coviello Spirited Service Awards

BOSTON, January 25, 2008 — On Friday, January 25, 2008, the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau recognized five front-line hospitality staff for the 2008 Anthony Coviello Spirited Service Awards at the Colonnade Hotel.

The Anthony Coviello Spirited Service Awards are presented to individuals in non-management positions who exhibit outstanding front-line service in the Greater Boston hospitality community. Formerly called the “Spirited Service Award, “ these awards are now named in memory of Anthony “Tony” Coviello, a doorman at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston who passed away in August 1998. For more information about Anthony Coviello, please see below. The 2008 Anthony Coviello Spirited Service Award recipients are as follows:

Gasner Ambroise, Eliot Hotel

Gasner Ambroise is the Eliot Hotel’s top doorman. Over the last 5 years, Gasner has proven himself an outstanding professional in his field and inspires all other employees. Acting as an ambassador, not only to the hotel but to the city of Boston, Gasner takes the responsibilities of his position very seriously. From the moment guests approach the hotel to the moment they exit, he is acutely aware of their needs and requests. As if on stage, Gasner is a talented performer who creates a sense of drama and excitement in his role. Performing his job with great enthusiasm and style, Gasner exemplifies the image of the ideal doorman in the eyes of the hotel’s guests so that in many ways his job is flawless performance. Ambroise is a resident of Everett, MA .

Jean Auguste, Hyatt Regency Cambridge

Jean August has been serving hotel guests and his fellow associates in housekeeping at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge since 1984. Jean is dependable, modest and hardworking. He remains positive and works well under pressure. While there are many examples of Jean’s dedication to guests, a recent example illustrates his habit of looking for ways to impress. When a guest checked in and requested extra foam pillows, Jean inquired if the guest had allergies to down. When the guest said yes, Jean changed all of the bedding without being asked. Guests go out of their way to let the hotel know how much they appreciate Jean’s attention to detail. Auguste is a resident of Boston, MA.

Kendeya Gebru, Four Seasons Hotel Boston

Kendeya Gebru has been in Boston since 1989, when he moved here from Ethiopia. He has worked at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston for an astounding 19 years, initially in housekeeping, then as a lobby attendant; but Kendeya found his true passion when he became a commis in the Bristol Lounge. After seven years, Kendeya asked to be transferred to Aujourd’hui, and he has been an instrumental part of the team ever since. He greets all of his colleagues and guests with his infectious smile. When he is not working, he is the devoted husband of Akeza and father of 8-year-old Jacob. Jacob attends St. Mary’s school in Brookline and Kendeya spends a considerable amount of time volunteering there, reading to the students, and helping the school. His devotion to his church also keeps him busy as he volunteers time for Ethiopian relief. He is truly a wonderful person whose heart is in the right place. Gebru is a resident of Boston, MA.

Ernie Lau, Brasserie Jo Restaurant

Ernie Lau has been a server at Brasserie Jo at The Colonnade Hotel for almost a decade, and he brings an additional twenty five years of food service experience. He exemplifies what it means to be a food service professional. He is as much of an asset in the kitchen as he is on the floor. He serves as the liaison between guests and the culinary team to ensure that what comes out of the kitchen brings pleasure and satisfaction. Ernie was integral in the development of new service standards that resulted in the impeccable service many have come to expect at Brasserie Jo. Respected by his peers and supervisors, Ernie is also in demand among the restaurant’s repeat clients. He is famous for his food and wine pairing suggestions. His personalized approach creates a unique and memorable experience for guests. Lau is a resident of Arlington, MA.

Robin Pereira (a.k.a “Butterfly”), Jasper White’s Summer Shack

Nicknames often express great affection for the one so named, and Robin “Butterfly” Pereira is no exception. Robin has been a committed and loyal employee of Summer Shack since the opening in 2000.  Her warm and welcoming manner have earned her a huge regular following. In a big restaurant on a busy day, Robin remembers everyone’s name.  In addition to long shifts at the Shack, Robin is on hand at the many charity events that the Summer Shack participates in and she always represents the restaurant in a positive way. Robin exemplifies the true “spirit” of Massachusetts hospitality. Pereira is a resident of Somerville, MA. 

About Anthony Coviello:

Anthony Coviello was born in Boston and lived in East Boston and Revere. He was a distinguished doorman at the Four Seasons Hotel, greeting celebrities, sports stars, dignitaries and guests.  He was a recipient of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau’s “Spirited Service Award” in 1989, the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism’s “Spirit of Massachusetts Hospitality Award” in 1993 and a “Distinguished Service Award” from the City of Boston in 1993.  Mayor Thomas Menino, in recognition of Tony’s outstanding contributions to our visitor industry, decreed August 11, 1993 as “Tony Coviello Appreciation Day” in Boston.  Mr. Coviello was also the subject of national advertisement campaign for the Four Seasons Hotel Company.

Mr. Coviello was a true ambassador for Boston’s visitor industry and a wonderful inspiration for all of us.  The Bureau is very pleased to honor Mr. Coviello’s memory by having renamed these awards The Anthony Coviello Spirited Service Awards.