After owning and managing the Ramada by Wyndham Jacksonville Hotel & Conference Center for nearly four decades, Fred Pozin is retiring and turning over the keys to a new owner and manager.
“It has been a long run, but it came time to sell the business,” Pozin, 63, said Nov. 15.
Pozin and his parents bought the Mandarin property 38 years ago. Pozin, a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in hospitality management, became general manager.
Effective Nov. 17, Ormond Beach-based Starr Properties LLC will own and manage the 150-room hotel, along with its 10,000-square-foot conference center, 200-seat Gigi’s Restaurant and 300-seat Comedy Zone nightclub that opened in 1990.
“The Pozin family ran a great business. We are honored that they chose us,” said Ty Lohman, CEO of Starr Properties.
Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
Lohman said he expects a “seamless transition.”
The team at the hotel will remain in place. Starr Properties plans to update the guest rooms, meeting space and restaurant.
The property is at 3130 Hartley Road at northeast San Jose Boulevard and Interstate 295.
Pozin said the family weathered the challenges that faced the lodging and restaurant business over the years, including the Great Recession in 2008-09 and more recently, COVID-19.
“The pandemic was a wake-up call, but the business is back on its feet and full speed ahead,” Pozin said.
He plans to schedule some rest and recreation time with family before his next chapter.
“For 38 years, I’ve been at the hotel on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and every Saturday night. Now, I’m going to enjoy the holidays with no stress,” Pozin said.
“I’ve put a lot of heart and soul into it and I’m glad to see it move forward.”