Andrew (Drew) DiFonzo (2012)

General Manager

Hyatt Place Dewey Beach & Lighthouse Cove Event Center

Drew DiFonzo is currently the General Manager of the Hyatt Place Dewey Beach & Lighthouse Cove Event Center. Hyatt Place Dewey Beach and the new waterfront Lighthouse Cove Event Center is part of the mixed use development, “Lighthouse Cove” in Dewey Beach, DE. Designed and developed like no other property along the Delaware Coast, the Lighthouse Cove boasts 69 privately owned luxury condominiums, the award winning Hyatt Place Hotel with 144 guest rooms and suites, 20,000 square ft. of indoor/outdoor meeting space and the “all new” Lighthouse Restaurant.

Drew began his career in hospitality at the Christiana Hilton in Newark, DE as a teenager, working as a grounds man in the maintenance department. He continued to work at the Hilton throughout his high school years, working as a bellman, busser, and room service attendant. Working in hospitality, Drew grew to enjoy the business and attended University of Delaware, double majoring in HRIM and Business Management. Drew continued his out of classroom education at the Christina Hilton during his time at U of D in a multitude of areas from prep cook to Sales Coordinator, finishing his career as an F&B Supervisor, managing the outlets and banquet events.

Upon graduation in May 2012, Drew began his career with Hilton Worldwide as a Food & Beverage Management Development Trainee at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. While Drew was in the Management Training Program, he managed Peacock Alley and the infamous Bull & Bear Steakhouse for a year until he transitioned to the Overnight Manager position. After graduating from the Management Development Program in September 2013, Drew held various leadership positions in the hotel including Banquet Manager, Director of Stewarding, Executive Housekeeper and Director of Front Office. His hard work and dedication were recognized throughout his journey at the Waldorf, being nominated for Manager of the Quarter multiple times and winning Manager of the Year in 2014.