Delaware North today announced the promotion of hospitality veteran Philip Potthoff to the newly created position of vice president of premium hospitality for the company’s Patina Group and Delaware North Sportservice divisions. He will report directly to John Kolaski, president of Patina Group.
In this new role, Potthoff will be responsible for integrating the strengths of Patina Group and Delaware North Sportservice to elevate premium dining experiences across select sports and entertainment venues. He will lead the development of the Patina Standards Playbook, guide strategic brand partnerships and work closely with clients and internal teams to implement innovative hospitality programs that reflect the culture, standards and values of both brands.
“Philip’s experience in luxury dining and his deep understanding of our brand make him uniquely qualified to lead this next phase of our growth,” Kolaski said. “This role is about more than food and service – it’s about setting a new standard for premium hospitality in live entertainment. Philip will help ensure that every guest touchpoint reflects the elevated expectations of today’s discerning fans and partners.”
In addition to developing and executing the premium hospitality strategy, Potthoff will support new business development efforts, contributing to proposals and RFPs that highlight Delaware North’s combined expertise and commitment to service excellence.
Potthoff has served as director of operations for Patina Group since October 2021, overseeing the Northeast segment, which includes prestigious locations such as Lincoln Ristorante and the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center, Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse near Madison Square Garden, The Plaza Hotel near Central Park and STATE Grill and Bar in the Empire State Building. With an annual portfolio revenue of $80 million, he has managed a range of dining concepts, from fine dining to fast-casual and corporate dining for clients such as Major League Baseball, Empire State Realty Trust and global investment firm KKR.
From 2017 to 2019, Potthoff served as a multiunit general manager for Patina Group, overseeing the company’s former operations at Rockefeller Center, including Rock Center Café, The Sea Grill, Cucina & Co. and The RINK at Rockefeller Center. His career also includes leadership roles with the Harvard Club of New York City, Poll Brothers Restaurant Group, The Collective in New York and London, Bohlsen Restaurant Group in Islip, N.Y., and The Garden City Hotel in Garden City, N.Y.
Potthoff studied at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) and holds a degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management.