PRESS RELEASE: Hotel Forty Five Appoints Joseph “Joe” Pankrath as General Manager

Former Marriott executive chef and hospitality leader steps into top role at downtown Macon’s Tribute Portfolio hotel

MACON, Ga. (March 9, 2026) – Hotel Forty Five has named Joseph “Joe” Pankrath as General Manager of the 94-room boutique hotel in downtown Macon. A hospitality veteran whose career began in the kitchen and evolved through leadership roles at some of Marriott’s most recognized properties, Pankrath now assumes oversight of all hotel operations, including the property’s signature dining outlets and guest experience strategy.

“Joe understands hospitality from the inside out,” said Joe Collier, President & Founder of Mainsail Lodging & Development. “He has led large, complex teams, opened award-winning restaurants, and delivered measurable operational results. That combination of culinary discipline and leadership depth positions him well to guide Hotel Forty Five through its next phase of growth.”

Pankrath’s career includes senior roles at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, and JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, where he served as opening Executive Chef. Early in his tenure with Marriott, he was appointed Executive Chef at the 750-room Marriott Water Street, overseeing high-volume culinary operations and large-scale event programming. Following his time with Marriott, Pankrath returned to his hometown of Rochester, New York, to serve as Director of Food & Beverage at Woodcliff Hotel & Spa. There, he expanded his leadership beyond the kitchen, directing restaurant, banquet, and operational strategy across the property.

In 2023, Pankrath joined Mainsail Lodging & Development as Executive Chef at Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection in Fort Myers. During his tenure, he elevated dining experiences across multiple outlets by refining menus, enhancing guest satisfaction, and strengthening team engagement. He also played a key role in concept development, kitchen design, and operational refinement across several Mainsail properties, including task force support in the Caribbean and Georgia.

Now leading Hotel Forty Five, Pankrath brings a hands-on, team-first leadership approach shaped by decades in both culinary and operational roles. His appointment reflects a continued investment in experienced leadership for the historic Macon property and its three popular dining concepts.

Situated at the intersection of Cherry and First Streets and Cotton Avenue, Hotel Forty Five occupies one of downtown Macon’s historic high-rises and is named for the location’s iconic 45-degree angle. The hotel features Loom Comfort Kitchen & Cocktails, a chef-driven Southern restaurant; Hightales Rooftop Bar, offering skyline views; and Reckon Coffee & Wine Bar, a relaxed gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

For more information, visit HotelFortyFive.com.

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About Hotel Forty Five

Hotel Forty Five, owned by IDP Properties and Mainsail Lodging & Development, is a 94-room boutique hotel in Macon, Georgia. Joining Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, an exceptional collection of independent hotels and resorts with unique personalities and spirit, Hotel Forty Five celebrates the building’s original character and historic significance. Each of Hotel Forty Five’s rooms and suites immerse guests in a timeless experience, providing the ideal space to rest and recharge. Vintage design elements with rich contrasting colors and copper metal accents are featured throughout creating a redefined yet classic finish. Hotel Forty Five boasts three different dining concepts, Loom, Hightales Rooftop Bar and Reckon Coffee & Wine Bar. Occupying one of downtown Macon’s few remaining historic high-rises, the boutique hotel is aptly named after its location on an iconic 45-degree angle, formed by Cherry and First Streets with Cotton Avenue. For more information please go to hotelfortyfive.com, or follow on Instagram, X and Facebook.

About Mainsail Lodging & Development

Mainsail Lodging & Development is an award-winning, Tampa, Florida-based company specializing in hotel, furnished housing, and resort property management and development, marketing and sales. An established company with a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, Mainsail prides itself in finding unique lodging opportunities with a purpose and applying its passion and expertise to each project. Founded by President Joe Collier with a combination of daring vision and dogged determination, Mainsail has built an impressive portfolio of top-branded properties throughout the southeastern United States and Caribbean. Each Mainsail property inspires guests with a distinct character and meticulously crafted, sophisticated style, from a private island resort, and urban culinary showplaces, to waterfront marvels, boutique southern hotels, and a historic jazz era icon. Stay Sojo, Mainsail’s newest brand, provides short-term furnished living options across the country, while Mainsail Vacation Rentals manages a collection of private vacation homes in Florida and the Caribbean. To ensure long-term success and profitability, Mainsail relies on the dedication of its high-performing associates, a growing group of enterprising investors, and a commitment to giving back, every step of the way. MainsailHotels.com

About IDP Properties

IDP Properties is a full-service real estate development firm headquartered in Valdosta, Ga that invests in and redevelops communities. The IDP team has completed over $1 billion dollars in projects and specializes in acquisition, property management, consulting and development. IDP takes pride that each project they develop is as diverse as the communities they serve. IDP Properties’ purpose is to strengthen communities and leave a lasting positive impact.

About Tribute Portfolio?

Tribute Portfolio is a growing global family of characterful, independent hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design and their drive to create vibrant social scenes for guests and locals alike. With more than 105 hotels in nearly 30 countries and territories around the world, Tribute Portfolio has struck a chord with those who seek out independent experiences and crave a connection with the community when traveling. From boutique resorts like Ermita in Cartagena and urban hotels such as The Vagabond Club in Singapore; to hotels in indie-spirited locales like Bellyard in Atlanta and Hotel Riomar in Ibiza, each Tribute Portfolio hotel celebrates its individuality, offering travelers a fresh, often colorful, perspective. For more information, please visit www.tributeportfolio.com and stay connected on Instagram, X, and Facebook. Tribute Portfolio is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy?, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bo