Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Tenderloin Museum plans Indian hotelier exhibit

A feature of the exhibit is historic novel ‘From Surat to San Francisco’

San Francisco museum to open Indo-American hotelier exhibit in 2026 honoring Indian American pioneers

The Tenderloin Museum is launching the first permanent U.S. exhibition on the history of Indian American hoteliers as part of its 6,850-square-foot expansion.

Photo courtesy of Beth LaBerge/KQED

What is the Indo-American Hotelier Exhibit in San Francisco?

THE TENDERLOIN MUSEUM in San Francisco is launching the Indo-American Hotelier History Exhibit, the first permanent U.S. exhibition of its kind. The exhibit, opening in 2026 as part of the museum’s expansion, will document Indian immigrants’ role in the U.S. hospitality industry, beginning in San Francisco’s Tenderloin.

It will document the role of Indian immigrants in the U.S. hospitality industry, beginning in San Francisco’s Tenderloin, AAHOA said in a statement.


“To celebrate our achievements in realizing the American Dream and our leadership in the American lodging industry, we, the Indian American Hotelier Committee, in collaboration with the Tenderloin Museum, present this exhibit,” the committee said in a joint statement. “It is dedicated to recognizing, honoring and revering the pioneers and foundational figures of Indian American hotel history.”

The exhibition is supported by the Indo-American Hotelier Exhibition Funds Development Committee, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, AAHOA and the AAHOA Charitable Foundation.

It is developed with a committee of Indian American hoteliers connected to the Tenderloin and will trace the shift from managing single room occupancy hotels to building a national presence in the hospitality industry. It will document the work and experiences of multiple generations through first-person accounts, artifacts and historical records.

A central feature of the exhibit is the historic book “From Surat to San Francisco: How the Patels from Gujarat Established the Hotel Business in California 1942–1960” by Mahendra Doshi, AAHOA said. Based on eight years of interviews and research, the book details how three families created a network of Indian-owned hotels and helped establish a path for broader industry involvement.

As part of the museum’s 6,850-square-foot expansion, which includes a contemporary art gallery, a neon sign gallery and updated core exhibitions, the Indo-American Hotelier History Exhibit adds South Asian immigrant stories to the Tenderloin’s historical record.

The public is invited to support the museum’s expansion and the exhibit through contributions that will help document and preserve Indian American hotel history in San Francisco and beyond.

More for you

IHCL denies sale of NYC’s Pierre Hotel
Photo credit: The Pierre

IHCL denies sale of NYC’s Pierre Hotel

Summary:

  • IHCL said reports of Taj exiting The Pierre Hotel are incorrect and misleading.
  • Media reported the Central Park hotel could sell for around $2 billion.
  • The company holds leasehold rights and continues to operate the New York hotel.

INDIAN HOTELS CO. Ltd. said media reports on Taj exiting its stake in The Pierre Hotel in New York are incorrect, misleading and speculative. In an exchange filing, IHCL stated it does not own The Pierre, but holds leasehold rights and continues to operate the hotel.

Keep ReadingShow less
American Franchise Act announced in U.S. Congress to protect hotel franchising and jobs

House unveils act to boost franchise business

Summary:

  • House introduces AFA to boost franchise model and hotel operations.
  • The act establishes a joint employer standard.
  • AHLA backs the bill, urging swift adoption.

THE HOUSE Of Representatives introduced the American Franchise Act, aimed at supporting the U.S. franchising sector, including 36,000 franchised hotels and 3 million workers nationwide. The American Hotel & Lodging Association, backed the bill, urging swift adoption to boost the franchise model and clarify joint employer standards.

Keep ReadingShow less
Noble Investment Group Mobile Alabama

Noble breaks ground on StudioRes in Mobile, AL

Summary:

  • Noble broke ground on StudioRes Mobile Alabama at McGowin Park.
  • The 10th StudioRes expands Noble’s long-term accommodations platform.
  • Noble recently acquired 16 WoodSpring Suites properties through two portfolio transactions.

NOBLE INVESTMENT GROUP broke ground on StudioRes Mobile Alabama at McGowin Park, a retail center in Mobile, Alabama. It is Noble’s 10th property under Marriott International’s extended stay StudioRes brand.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Boxer Boston hotel sold by Hersha Hotels to Eurostars Hotels for $23.6 million
Photo Credit: The Boxer Boston

Hersha sells ‘Boxer Boston’ to Eurostars

Summary:

  • Hersha Hotels & Resorts sold The Boxer Boston to Eurostars Hotels.
  • The company acquired the property in 2012 for $12.6 million.
  • The property now sold for $23.6 million.

HERSHA HOTELS & RESORTS sold The Boxer Boston, an 80-room hotel in Boston’s West End, to Eurostars Hotels, part of Spain’s Grupo Hotusa. The company, which reportedly acquired the property in 2012 for $12.6 million, received $23.6 million for it.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Group Inc. 5000 2025

Peachtree receives two recognitions

Summary:

  • Peachtree recognized by Inc. and the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
  • Named to the 2025 Inc. 5000 list for the third year.
  • Chronicle’s Pacesetter Awards recognize metro Atlanta’s fastest-growing companies.

PEACHTREE GROUP ENTERED the 2025 Inc. 5000 list for the third consecutive year. The company also won the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Awards as one of the city’s fastest-growing private companies.

Keep ReadingShow less