We’re honored to share that byLandmark has been recognized by NJBIZ as one of New Jersey’s Leading Family-Owned Businesses as part of the publication’s In the Lead 2026 feature.
This recognition celebrates organizations that have built lasting businesses through family leadership, long-term vision, and a commitment to their communities. For us, it’s a meaningful milestone that reflects not only how far we’ve come, but also the people who have made that journey possible.
A Vision That Began with One Property
In 2001, husband-and-wife team Jeanne and Frank Cretella opened the doors to Liberty House in Jersey City with a simple goal: create unforgettable experiences through genuine hospitality.
What began as a single waterfront restaurant has grown into a collection of more than 23 restaurants, wedding venues, event spaces, and boutique hotels across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and beyond. While our portfolio has expanded, the principles that shaped our first property continue to guide every guest experience today—authentic hospitality, thoughtful design, exceptional cuisine, and meaningful human connection.
A Multigenerational Legacy
As byLandmark has grown, so has the next generation of leadership.
In 2015, Maddy Cretella-Ramirez joined the company and has helped shape the evolution of the brand through storytelling, creative strategy, and portfolio expansion. Her work has helped preserve the company’s founding values while introducing new ways for guests to connect with the byLandmark experience.
Today, byLandmark continues to evolve while remaining rooted in the vision established more than two decades ago: creating places where life’s most meaningful moments are celebrated.
More Than Hospitality
At byLandmark, we believe hospitality extends far beyond our venues.
Every restaurant, hotel, and event space is designed to foster connection—bringing together food, music, art, architecture, design, and memorable experiences. Whether welcoming couples on their wedding day, hosting milestone celebrations, or creating spaces where communities gather, our purpose remains the same: helping people create memories that last a lifetime.
Giving Back to the Communities We Serve
Community has always been central to who we are.
Through our charitable initiative, Help Us Give (H.U.G.), byLandmark has invested in local communities and youth-focused programs since the company’s founding.
Building on that mission, Frank and Jeanne Cretella established the Art of Hospitality Workers Alliance in 2019, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting hospitality professionals through education, mentorship, career development, and financial assistance during times of need.
These initiatives reflect our belief that great hospitality begins with caring for people—both inside and outside our organization.
Looking Ahead
Being recognized by NJBIZ is an incredible honor, but it’s also a reminder of what matters most: our team members, our guests, our partners, and the communities that have supported us throughout this journey.
As we continue to grow, we remain committed to preserving historic properties, creating extraordinary destinations, and delivering the thoughtful hospitality experiences that have defined byLandmark from the very beginning.
We extend our sincere thanks to NJBIZ for this recognition and to everyone who has been part of our story over the past 25 years. We look forward to continuing to create places where memories are made for generations to come.
Read the original NJBIZ feature recognizing byLandmark as one of New Jersey’s Leading Family-Owned Businesses: https://njbiz.com/a-c-njbiz-in-the-lead-2026-family-owned-businesses/
