Menna Development & Management is a highly respected development and management company trusted by leading hospitality brands such as Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Radisson, and others to deliver exceptional properties and operational excellence.
At the heart of MDM’s success is Anthony Menna, a true embodiment of the American dream. Through his vision and leadership, he has inspired countless professionals in the hospitality industry to pursue growth and excellence in their own careers.
Over the past several decades, Anthony has spearheaded the development of numerous award-winning hotels across major global brands, solidifying MDM’s reputation for quality, integrity, and innovation in every project undertaken.
Anthony’s passion for hospitality began in his teenage years when his family purchased a small nine-room inn in Clearwater, Florida. The inn quickly became known for its warmth and personal touches: fresh flowers, homemade pizza, and the feeling of being among friends. Guests returned season after season, and by the time the family sold the inn in 2002, they had become an extended family. That experience established the standard Anthony continues to uphold today: guests are not just customers but friends and family.
Anthony founded Menna Development & Management, Inc. (MDM) in 1983, initially focusing on commercial properties. His first major project, Manchu Wok, launched in 1984 and grew to more than 60 restaurants across the United States.
As President of MDM, Anthony has overseen the acquisition, financing, design, and turnkey development of more than 40 hotel properties throughout the Tampa Bay area, both branded and independent. Among his many accomplishments is the development and operation of the first all-suites hotel in the country for the Holiday Inn brand as well as the first Gen VIII for the Residence Inn by Marriott brand.
Anthony’s philosophy is rooted in family, both at home and within the company. At MDM, team members are considered family first and employees second. He believes that to achieve excellence, one must love what they do and have fun doing it, a principle he continues to instill in his organization.
Today, with his children following in his footsteps and an experienced executive team by his side, Anthony focuses on vision, innovation, and new opportunities for growth. Beyond hotels and restaurants, his development portfolio includes travel parks, office buildings, multi-family and condominium complexes, and waterfront properties.
Since Mr. Menna & MDM received their first award in 1994 (the Gold Hospitality Award by Choice Hotels International for properties in the top 3% of the franchise brand) they have become a recognized and respected leader in the hotel development and management industry on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
They went on to win the Gold Hospitality Award three years consecutively, and Anthony has been personally awarded both in 1997 and 2009. In 1997, he received the Newcomer of the Year Award from Holiday Inn Worldwide. In 2009, he was awarded the Businessman of the Year. MDM and its hotels continue to receive numerous awards year over year.
Among the many charities Anthony has supported, Give Kids the World holds a special place in his heart. Founded through IHG during his Holiday Inn development years, the program began as a way to bring joy to children facing hardship. Today, it has grown into an 84-acre nonprofit resort in Central Florida, offering cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses and their families.
Anthony Menna is, above all, a family man. He speaks proudly of his three children and two grandchildren, describing them as brilliant and wonderful; they are the inspiration behind everything he does. More than any professional achievement, he hopes to be remembered as a devoted father.
At the same time, Anthony admits he could never truly step away from work. He finds joy in sharing his knowledge and experience, mentoring others, and continuing to build on the legacy he’s created.
