Faculty In The Press
[The Boston Globe] For Greco founder, hospitality is a family tradition | Sponsored by Santander Bank
Demetri Tsolakis, adjunct professor at Boston University's School of Hospitality Administration and CEO of Xenia Greek Hospitality, shares his journey from working in his family's restaurant at a young age to leading a thriving restaurant group in Boston. Drawing on his Greek heritage and a passion for authentic hospitality, Tsolakis... More
[Plate] Should You Work with Influencers? Advice from Three Restaurant Marketing Pros
By Stacey Lastoe Lisa Flores, an adjunct professor at BU’s School of Hospitality Administration and director of sales and marketing at Boston’s Columbus Hospitality Group, offers a candid look at the strategic use of social media influencers in the hospitality industry. Flores views influencers as an essential marketing tool, akin to... More
[CommonWealth Beacon] Boston Common restaurant closing, city seeks new tenant
Leora Lanz, SHA associate professor, provides valuable insight into the challenges of operating a restaurant in a unique location like Boston Common. She emphasizes the importance of marketing strategies, such as placing signs on surrounding streets and creating a strong sense of place, to establish the restaurant as a destination... More
[WalletHub] Best Car Insurance in Massachusetts for 2024
In discussion with WalletHub, Apostolos Ampountolas, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Hospitality Finance and Revenue Management at BU’s School of Hospitality Administration, offers expert insights into the complexities of car insurance pricing and how consumers can navigate these challenges. Professor Ampountolas provides a detailed analysis of the factors influencing car insurance... More
[The Boston Globe] As the summer tourism season wears on, hotel workers say they’re feeling the effects of understaffing
In a comprehensive look at the current challenges facing the hospitality industry, BU School of Hospitality Administration Dean Arun Upneja interviewed with The Globe and provided expert insights into the impacts of understaffing on hotel workers and operations. Dean Upneja's analysis sheds light on the broader trends affecting workforce dynamics... More
[BU Today] Adventure in Thailand: SHA Undergrads Study Ecotourism
Yunmei (Mabel) Bai, SHA's assistant professor of revenue management, along with eight SHA students, recently embarked on a service-learning trip to Thailand to explore the complexities of global tourism. With the focus on understanding the environmental and social impacts of tourism, the trip provided invaluable insights through hands-on experiences such... More
[BU Today] A Busy First Week for BU President Melissa L. Gilliam
In her first week as Boston University's new president, Melissa L. Gilliam dedicated time to connecting with the university's vibrant community. Among her many stops, she visited the School of Hospitality Administration (SHA), where she engaged with SHA Dean Arun Upneja and the dedicated faculty and staff. Dean Upneja, along... More
[The Travel Leader Podcast] Start Up Mentality with Arun Upneja
In this insightful episode of The Travel Leader podcast, Rachel Vandenberg sits down with Arun Upneja, Dean and Professor of the School of Hospitality Administration at Boston University. Dean Upneja shares his extensive knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry, offering valuable perspectives on driving change, fostering innovation, and developing... More
[BU Today] What BU Foodies Have to Say about The Bear
Excerpt from BU Today: The long-awaited third season of FX’s hit comedy/drama The Bear premieres June 26. In last season’s finale, a stressed-out Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (2023 Emmy winner Jeremy Allen White) is a colossal jerk to his staff and family and subsequently gets locked in the walk-in fridge during the biggest night... More
[Plate] How Hotels, Restaurateurs, and Diners Reap the Benefits of Pop-up Dining
By Stacey Lastoe Demetri Tsolakis, an adjunct professor at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration and CEO of Xenia Greek Hospitality, offers valuable insight into the evolving trend of pop-up restaurants in hotels. Tsolakis highlights the creative potential and reduced operational pressure that pop-ups provide, allowing hotels to offer guests fresh... More