John Eramo
Director of Food and Beverage
Harvard Club
Hospitality Professional of the Year 2005

Born and raised just outside of Rome, John emigrated to the United States after attending the University of Rome. While completing his studies in languages at St. Francis College of Brooklyn in 1979, he began to pursue a career in the hospitality industry working in local restaurants.In 1982 he joined the famed Halloran House in Manhattan rising to Director of Food and Beverage when in 1989, with the acquisition of the property by Marriott Hotels & Resorts, John transferred to the Marriott Marquis ultimately being appointed the Director of The View Restaurant & Lounge.In 1994 John undertook the challenge of opening a private club for The University of Pennsylvania and as it's Director of Food & Beverage, he established pre-eminent standards for two restaurants and an extensive banquet operation. The Penn Club opened to rave reviews and in many ways "broke the mold" for club food and service in New York.

Today, John oversees The Harvard Club directly across from the Penn Club on West 44th Street. Established in 1894 in what is now a landmark building. The Harvard Club serves 11,000 members in its 75 guest rooms, three restaurants and 14 banquet spaces. In 2002 John was immersed in yet another kind of opening; a 30 million dollar expansion of the club was initiated, virtually doubling the size of the operation -just the type of challenge that John relishes and in which he excels.