VOL 27 ISSUE 40, October 12, 2026
Main caption: Leaders from The Westin Buffalo, including Zachary Rambuss (far left), general manager; Evan Wargo (center), Patina 250 executive chef; Michaela LaJoie (fourth from right), director of sales and marketing; and Tom Long (far right), vice president of lodging for Delaware North Parks and Resorts, have played an integral role in the property’s success over the last decade. They are pictured above with longstanding team members (from left to right) Rambuss, Lillian Acevedo, Shawn Stapleton, Alfred Anderson, Gary Cunningham, Wargo, Brian Long, LaJoie, Molly Moretti, Gayle Murphy and Long.
The Westin Buffalo, owned-and-operated by Delaware North at the company’s corporate headquarters, in September celebrated its 10th anniversary.
A full-service AAA Four Diamond property, The Westin Buffalo has served as a pillar in downtown Buffalo, setting the standard for hospitality, luxury and comfort for travelers to the Queen City since opening in September 2016.
“The Westin Buffalo has consistently provided guests with exceptional hospitality through a highly personalized experience over the last 10 years,” said Zachary Rambuss, general manager of The Westin Buffalo. “We look forward to continuing to enhance the guest experience and showcasing everything The Westin and Buffalo have to offer.”
Delaware North continues to invest in the property and over the summer unveiled the addition of a sauna in the onsite fitness center, which also features state-of-the-art equipment and stunning views of the city. This followed the completion of a full guest room renovation in 2025 that included upgraded modern furnishings, soothing color schemes and Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds, marking new era of luxury and comfort for travelers in the heart of downtown Buffalo.
Strong leadership has been an essential component of the hotel’s success over the last 10 years, with Buffalo natives Rambuss; Michaela LaJoie, director of sales and marketing; and Tom Long, vice president of lodging for Delaware North’s Parks and Resorts division, serving in key roles since the opening.
Rambuss joined The Westin Buffalo as the front desk manager, moving through progressive leadership roles, including assistant general manager, before transitioning to his current role in early 2026. An honoree of Buffalo Business First’s “30 under 30” recognition, he has created a service culture that inspires team members to go above and beyond for guests.
“Zachary’s passion for hospitality has provided a solid foundation for him throughout his career at The Westin Buffalo,” Long said.
Long joined Delaware North in 2015 as general manager of The Westin Buffalo, leading all aspects of hotel operations from the opening and overseeing the hotel’s team members. Prior to The Westin, he held leadership roles at several iconic locations in major markets, including Miami’s Fontainebleau Resort & Towers and New York City’s Waldorf Astoria.
LaJoie began her career in the Washington, D.C., metro area at The Ritz-Carlton properties, holding various roles in food & beverage and events. She joined Delaware North in 2015 as a sales manager prior to The Westin’s opening.
Rambuss, LaJoie and Long are among 10 team members who have worked at the property for the past decade. Executive Chef Evan Wargo also joined Delaware North in 2016 when the company opened the adjacent full-service restaurant, Patina 250.
In addition to restaurant operations, Patina Group’s onsite culinary team provides catering for events at The Westin, room service, food and beverage services for special guests and groups, and operates Jake’s Café.
Over the last decade, The Westin Buffalo has received numerous awards, including Marriott International’s Hotel of the Year for the Americas in the Distinctive Premium category, Brand Culture award, Operational Excellence award and Mustang award.