America’s Best Value Inn in Albert Lea, announces the appointment of Lynn Lair, to food and beverage manager of the hotel’s restaurant, the Big Island Grille & Bar, and the catering services provided by the Land Between the Lakes Event Center.

“Lynn brings 35 years of experience of all aspects of food service and production to his role as manager of America’s Best Value Inn restaurant and catering services,” said Tina Stripe, the general manager. “Lynn’s previous experience as food and beverage director here enables him to hit the ground running.”

Prior to re-joining, Lair operated Turnberry’s Restaurant at Rice Lake Golf and Country Club in Lake Mills, Iowa. “The Big Island Grille & Bar and the America’s Best Value Inn is a great Albert Lea resource and I’m proud to add my personal stamp to the food and services we provide,” said Lair. “Our restaurant offers a wide menu with a delicious range of choices to suit every taste.”

Lair grew up in Emmons and while still in high schoof worked at his mother’s restaurant, Pearly Cafe in Emmons. As the 20-year owner and operator of Lynn’s Cakes and Catering, Lair established a reputation throughout the area for cake decorating and food presentation, producing humdreds of wedding cakes over the years for wedding receptions and parties. He has served as a judge for many cake shows and competitions and has been seen on the Food Network while judging a major cake competition in Tulsa, Okla. Lair also worked as catering director and assistant deli manager at Nelson’s Foods.

Lair is married to Donna and has one daughter, Kelli, who is in her second year at Wartburg College. To contact Lair or for more information about the Big Island Grille & Bar, America’s Best Value Inn call 373-6471 or e-mail at lynn@abvialbertlea.com