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.
Tiffany Best
Director of Events & Marketing
Tiffany is a true Metro-Detroit hospitality veteran with a remarkable 17-year venture in the dynamic nightlife and restaurant scene. Her extensive experience has led her to wholeheartedly embrace the passionate mission of the Heirloom Hospitality Team, where she plays a pivotal role in bringing the company's visionary concepts to life, crafting extraordinary and unforgettable experiences for our beloved guests.
Tiffany's exceptional attentiveness has earned her the prestigious title of Maitre D of the Year by Hour Magazine, not once but twice, a testament to her dedication and skill in our industry.
Outside of her professional life, this tequila enthusiast indulges her passion for travel by jetting off to the sun-soaked shores of Miami, where she embraces the city's spirited culture, beautiful beaches, and bustling culinary scene. Her curiosity for exploring hospitality and restaurant experiences aligns seamlessly with her profession, as she continually seeks to broaden her horizons and refine her expertise in the world of hospitality.
Aly Sasson
Creative Director & Photographer
Aly’s journey in the world of creativity began in front of the camera as a model, but her meticulous attention to detail and passion for capturing moments led her to seize control of the camera as a photographer. Upon completing her academic journey, which included earning her BFA in Photography from Michigan State University and a summer studying fine arts at New York University, Aly stepped into the professional realm as the Head Digital Artist for a photography studio. Here, she dedicated nine years to refining her skills and expertise.
Simultaneously, what started as late-night creative collaborations to support her now-husband, Jeremy’s first restaurant, Townhouse Birmingham, soon evolved into a full-time role overseeing the creative department for all future culinary ventures.
A true adventurer and enthusiast, Aly thrives on challenges. Her insatiable thirst for life keeps her constantly on the move, whether she's exploring new destinations, immersing herself in work, prioritizing her fitness routine, enjoying quality time with her four children, family and friends, or savoring an occasional Mezcal or Bourbon cocktail during those rare moments when she’s not expecting.
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.
Jennifer Rudd
Controller
Jennifer is a highly accomplished finance professional with a strong foundation in the hospitality industry. A graduate of Walsh College, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Accounting. She began her finance journey in hospitality ten years ago as an accountant for Buffalo Wild Wings. In 2020, she joined Heirloom Hospitality, where she has been surrounded by like minded individuals, who are focused on exceptional hospitality experiences. Precision, and excellence has made her a key player in maintaining financial health and stability. Her dedication to the highest standards in financial management, sets the standard for both financial and operational goals.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Jennifer’s passion for the hospitality industry shines through her work. She understands that finance is not just all about numbers; it's about enabling memorable guest experiences and contributing to the success of each brand.
Beyond her career, she cherishes spending quality time with her two daughters. She has a deep passion for connecting with nature, enjoying camping, hiking, kayaking and biking.
Tracy Suchyta
Creative Designer
Tracy is the creative designer and is dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences through innovative design solutions. She has been designing professionally for 5 years. With a passion for aesthetics and a keen eye for detail, Tracy brings a unique blend of creativity and functionality to every project, ensuring that each space tells a compelling story. Tracy thrives on creating memorable and immersive designs that elevate the guest experience.
Throughout her life food and art have been some of the most influential aspects in her life. Between sharing and cooking meals for family and friends, to the silly drawings she’s made. The world of food and art have had such a profound impact on who she is.
Cheryl Rama
Staff Accountant
Cheryl is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, spanning from Detroit to the lively heart of Las Vegas. Her remarkable career is marked by her ability to create exceptional guest experiences, adeptly manage complex operations, and foster enduring relationships within the industry. Her passion for hospitality and genuine desire to assist and serve others have left an indelible mark on the organizations she's been a part of.
In addition to her extensive hospitality background, Cheryl has dedicated eight years of her career to the accounting field, with expertise that spans across various sectors, including automotive, construction, and hospitality. Her accounting acumen is underscored by a meticulous approach to financial management, reflecting her commitment to excellence.
Cheryl's dedication to personal and professional growth is evident through her academic pursuits. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a major in accounting, providing her with a strong foundation in business principles and financial expertise. Currently, she is actively working toward obtaining dual Master's degrees in Business and Accounting, further enhancing her knowledge and skills in these domains.
Beyond her illustrious career and academic pursuits, Cheryl is a devoted single mother to a 12-year-old son, Alex. Her remarkable ability to harmonize her career aspirations with her responsibilities as a parent serves as a testament to her unwavering strength, resilience, and commitment to both her family and professional advancement.
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.
Ned Specktor
Digital Content Director
Ned began his professional journey at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a premier talent agency renowned for representing top-tier entertainers and athletes worldwide. During his tenure at CAA, Ned worked his way up from the mailroom to a role assisting the agency's President, Richard Lovett. His contributions were instrumental in the establishment of CAA Sports, showcasing his experience across multiple agency departments.
His passion for music led him to assist in managing the careers of the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato, who were both just beginning their journeys at the time.
He seized the opportunity to combine his entertainment and marketing experience, establishing a thriving branded merchandise business. Ned collaborated with clients such as Google, The Grammys, Meta, and numerous others.
Ned’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to a partnership with The Salvation Army, launching a nationwide concert campaign called Rock the Red Kettle. The event featured artists like Shawn Mendes and Andy Grammer, using music to emphasize the significance of philanthropy within the teen community nationwide.
With over fifteen years of experience in Los Angeles, Ned developed a deep passion for using his voice and energy to help companies tell their stories on social media with short video content. Currently residing in Bloomfield Hills, MI, he loves spending time with his wife and two children and listening to *NSYNC.