Jeremy Sasson
CEO
Sasson's entrancing expedition through the world of fine dining has shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and sparked his passion for redefining the boundaries of culinary excellence, ambiance, and hospitality. Since his foray into the restaurant industry in 2011, Jeremy Sasson has ceaselessly strived to establish his own hospitality legacy, leaving an indelible mark on the culinary and experiential dining landscape.
Enthralled by the realm of gastronomy, Sasson inaugurated Townhouse Birmingham and Townhouse Detroit, two al fresco establishments that swiftly captivated the hearts of patrons seeking elevated American comfort cuisine. This resounding success prompted the birth of Heirloom Hospitality Group in 2017, an embodiment of Sasson's unwavering commitment to superlative service and groundbreaking hospitality experiences.
Unyielding in his pursuit of innovation, Sasson embarked on a voyage of redefining the experience of hospitality, birthing a multitude of visionary concepts that pushed the boundaries of culinary artistry. Prime + Proper emerged as a beacon of ingenuity, reimagining the modern steakhouse with an immersive dining experience complemented by an in-house executive butcher and an unrivaled dry-aging program. As the crescendo of his visionary repertoire, the newly revealed, Mad Nice has exploded in vibrance in Detroit's historic Midtown neighborhood, epitomizing a harmonious blend of modern Italian specialties infused with the vibrant essence of California, a testament to Sasson's unwavering dedication to sourcing farm-fresh ingredients and pioneering fermentation techniques.
At the helm of Heirloom Hospitality Group, Sasson immerses himself in the relentless pursuit of conceptual innovation, astute business development, financial acumen, and cutting-edge marketing strategies. His unwavering commitment to crafting extraordinary experiences continually pushes the boundaries of what is conceivable. As a testament to his unparalleled leadership, Heirloom has become a venerated name among metro Detroit's discerning diners, with Prime + Proper earning the esteemed title of "Restaurant of the Year" by HOUR Detroit Magazine in 2019. Recognizing Sasson’s exceptional accomplishments, Crain's Detroit Business included him in their prestigious "40 Under 40" class of 2016, and in 2023, DBusiness recognized him as one of the "Most Influential Business Leaders in Metro Detroit."
Sasson's journey began with the acquisition of a BBA in finance and entrepreneurship from the University of Miami, where he was enthralled by the captivating allure of South Florida's hospitality-centric economy. A brief stint in the bustling metropolis of New York City would follow before Sasson felt the magnetic pull of his hometown, Detroit, in 2010, leading him to embark on his illustrious hospitality career.
Presently, Sasson resides in Michigan, alongside his wife and four children. In rare moments of respite, he satisfies his desire for travel, where he can be found leisurely boating, engrossed in captivating literature, cherishing quality time with his loved ones, or tending to his ever-expanding collection of wines and whiskies.
Joel Halperin
Director of Operations / Partner
Joel grew up in West and Northern Michigan. He attended The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University. His engagement at Michigan State continues to this day mentoring students and advising the program on their Board of Directors. With over two decades of experience in the restaurant industry, he has a proven track record of managing and leading high-volume restaurants across 12 different states, delivering exceptional customer experience, mentoring leaders and achieving high standards of operational excellence.
Joel joined Heirloom Hospitality in 2021, after 15 years with Hillstone Restaurant Group, where he was an Executive based in New York City responsible for over 500 staff members and over 60 million dollars in annual sales; covering the Northeast and Southeast regions of the United States. Joel has led the opening and development of new locations and company-wide projects, ensuring operational excellence and brand consistency. He lives in East Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife Michelle and two children, Jack & Marielle. They enjoy Michigan's freshwater beaches and four season’s of outdoor activities that Michigan provides.
Jane Stolkey
Executive Assistant
Queen of Everything!
Jessica Swanson
Director of Culture & Team Leadership
Jessica's journey in hospitality began at 15, initially aspiring to be a chef but eventually finding her true calling in training and maintaining service excellence. She worked her way up to leadership roles and became a Regional Service Technician, dedicated to ensuring top-notch service and training in the Midwest.
Afterward, she returned to the culinary world to elevate dining and culinary teams' performance across the region. Driven by a relentless passion for growth, Jessica pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a focus on Organizational Leadership and Public Speaking. She became a certified Instructional Designer, revolutionizing learning processes for a fast-casual franchise group with innovative online systems.
Jessica's journey led her to become an Authorized YB12 Corporate Results Coach and launch her consulting business, primarily focusing on sales teams and medical leadership groups. She remained devoted to the hospitality industry, contributing significantly to restaurant openings and gaining various certifications. Outside her professional life, she enjoys family activities, tending to her garden, and exploring new Gluten-Free Recipes while watching true crime documentaries.
Renée White
Human Resources & Training Coordinator
Originally from Massachusetts, Renee's a hospitality professional whose journey in the industry began at a young age, driven by a genuine passion for creating unforgettable experiences and meaningful connections. Throughout her career, Renee has honed her skills in restaurant management and operations, dedicating herself to exceeding guest expectations and ensuring exceptional service.
In 2021, Renee joined the Heirloom Hospitality team, where she assumed the role of Assistant General Manager at Prime + Proper. With a deep-seated understanding of restaurant operations, Renee has seamlessly transitioned into her current role as HR + Training Coordinator. Her journey within the organization has been marked by a commitment to excellence, leadership, and a passion for fostering growth and development within the team.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Renee enjoys actively participating in the community and spending time with her fiancé, Chad, and Dachshund, Nora. Together, they explore Detroit, discovering new restaurants, shops and parks.