Brook Lodge Welcomes New Staff - John Merucci as New Executive Chef and Teri Pearce, CMP, as New Sales Manager

Michigan State University’s Brook Lodge welcomes John Merucci as the organization’s new executive chef. Merucci will be overseeing Brook Lodge’s food services department, including staff, menu development and food production for all facility events.  

“John brings extensive knowledge, experience and creativity within the food service industry to Brook Lodge,” said Jim Brand, general manager for Brook Lodge. “We’re happy to have him and know our guests will be too after tasting his culinary creations.”

Merucci has more than 20 years of experience in the food service industry and most recently served as food service director and executive chef of the Holiday Inn Battle Creek’s Cereal City Grill Restaurant and Lounge in Battle Creek, Mich., where he was responsible for all food production for restaurant meals, wedding party banquets, and conventions and meetings. Prior to his time at Cereal City, Merucci was the executive sous chef at Schuler’s restaurant in Marshall, Mich.

“I’ve been in kitchens all my life and I was immediately drawn to Brook Lodge’s dedication to excellence and solid reputation for high-quality food service,” said John Merucci, executive chef. “I look forward to our continued use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in our summer Mediterranean-style menu and beyond.”

Merucci has his Michigan Sanitation Certification and is a three-time competitor in the annual Aramark Culinary Excellence (ACE) Competition. Merucci is a graduate of Schoolcraft College’s Culinary Arts Program and currently resides in Marshall, Mich.

Teri Pearce, CMP, has been hired as the organization’s new sales manager. Pearce will be responsible for Brook Lodge’s group sales and marketing efforts.

“We’re pleased to welcome Teri to the Brook Lodge family,” said Jim Brand, general manager for Brook Lodge. “With her extensive industry background and local knowledge, we’re confident that she will be an invaluable asset to our organization as we continue to expand our business locally.”

Pearce has more than 26 years of experience in marketing and sales, as well background in fundraising and event coordination. Most recently, Pearce served as director of sales for TravelHost magazine of Southwest Michigan in Battle Creek, Mich. Prior to TravelHost, Pearce was the fundraising and development manager for the Leila Arboretum Society of Battle Creek, where she was responsible for enhancing private and corporate fundraising and sponsorships, and membership retention and recruitment.

“I am thrilled with the opportunity to be a part of Brook Lodge,” said Teri Pearce, manager of sales. “It is truly one of Michigan’s hidden treasures and I look forward to exposing more people to all that Brook Lodge has to offer.”

Pearce is currently president of the Heritage Battle Creek Board, the official historical society that researches and promotes Battle Creek’s legacy. She is a Certified Meeting Planner, a Certified Travel Industry Specialist and a licensed Michigan real estate agent. Pearce is a graduate of the University of Maryland’s European Division and currently resides in Battle Creek, Mich.

Brook Lodge is located in Augusta, Mich. between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek and is one of many hospitality and entertainment facilities owned by Michigan State University. MSU’s service portfolio includes golf, tennis, trade and exhibit halls, youth housing, lodging and dining to serve from 10 to 10,000 participants. Brook Lodge is a part of the Division of Housing & Food Services at Michigan State University.

Visit Brook Lodge on the web at www.brooklodgemsu.com/.

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