East Brunswick’s Chateau Grande Hotel Partners With Rutgers Athletics

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The owners of the 15-acre hospitality campus in East Brunswick have announced a new partnership with Rutgers Athletics.

The complex which includes the Chateau Grande Hotel, Orchard Park by David Burke and Park Chateau Estate and Gardens, will provide Rutgers with donations, discounts and other services.

The hospitality campus is owned by brothers Joe and Barry Maurillo and partner Vito Cucci.

The partnership provides the university’s athletic program with a substantial sponsorship donation in dollars and trade for services.

The agreement will support programs for Rutgers student-athletes. It also includes hotel midweek lodging discounts for supporters and fans of Rutgers Athletics at the new luxury boutique Chateau Grande Hotel.

In return, the three properties receive branding and messaging opportunities at SHI Stadium, Jersey Mike’s Arena, in the athletic department’s annual Visitor’s Guide, and on social media and web platforms.

The idea behind the partnership is to inform the Rutgers community of these facilities located only minutes from the New Brunswick area campuses, stadium and arena. The Maurillo brothers and Cucci, are self-confessed, devoted Rutgers fans.

The agreement also promises an annual appearance by celebrity Chef David Burke at the Scarlet Knights hospitality tent at a home football or basketball game.

“We believe in nourishing the communities where we live and work in a variety of ways. We have several charities we support and decided to include Rutgers Athletics,” the three partners said in a media statement.

"We respect RU’s commitment to fostering a richer community through their athletics and the leadership qualities student athletes must develop and put into practice in order to compete among the very best while pursuing a higher education. We believe our partnership is a win-win for both parties.”

The agreement is currently in place until the end of 2025.

“We are excited for the opportunity to partner with one of the Garden State’s most iconic hospitality brands,” Lisa Tirrell, associate athletic director, brand marketing and business development, said in a media statement.

“Joe, Barry, Vito and Chef Burke are committed to creating one-of-a-kind experiences, and Rutgers Athletics shares that same vision for its fans on game day. We look forward to working with them to make the Park Chateau Estate & Gardens, Chateau Grande Hotel and Orchard Park by David Burke complex a best-in-class destination for all Rutgers fans.”

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