New Owners Looking to Make Warren Hotel Area's Premiere Destination

After the RevMax Hotels group acquired the Somerset Hills Hotel in April, the new owners recognized several areas they planned to make improvements, but perhaps none will be as appreciated by local residents as the changes to be found in the Tap Room restaurant.

Whether patrons stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner, The Somerset Hills Hotel's new general manager, Tony Morreale, says they should expect a meal that's among the finest served in the area.

A new menu, crafted by Morreale and new executive chef Alex Abouelkheir, offers fresh fusion dining, which Morreale said is part of the plan to "elevate" the entire experience at the Somerset Hills Hotel.

"This whole restaurant concept is put together for the banquet business," he said. "We want to bring those customers in for their life events."

He called it a "domino effect": patrons satisfied with a meal in the redecorated Tap Room are more likely to recommend the hotel for visiting guests, as well as for bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, and anniversary celebrations.

Morreale called himself a "restaurant guy" but his resume includes management stints at the Hilton Gardens in Bridgewater, as well as at locations in Princeton, Manhattan and Arizona.

The Staten Island resident was very familiar with Warren's landmark hotel and when offered the position, he said he jumped at it.

He said while the Tap Room has made many changes, some things will continue: the Tap Room's top rating as a brew pub and music.

"We're going to have entertainment—I just don't know what format it will take," he said.

The restaurant changes are the first step in plans makeover the entire operation with changes in guest room decor coming in a few months. RevMax Chief Operating Officer Brian Conyers said he isn't quite ready to present those changes, but said the work will further enhance what they hope will be the hotel's growing prestige.

In the meantime, Morreale invites nearby office workers to test out the lunch menu and his "10-minute express lunch guarantee"—"If you don't get lunch in 10 minutes, it's free," he said.

He said he's ready to give away some lunches to help draw people to the restaurant, which he hopes will become the first choice for business meetings, after-work gatherings and times when sitting with a refreshing drink and a chance for conversation are needed.