+1 917 336 2811 Info@HostStandAgency.com

The Company

About us

We founded The Host Stand Agency in 2025 as hospitality veterans with decades of experience transforming global brands. Based in New York City and Washington, D.C., we recognized how the pandemic forced the hospitality industry to go digital overnight. Hundreds of new tech platforms emerged, and consumers became e-commerce-savvy, demanding digital efficiencies. Yet, many operators lacked the time, expertise, or patience to implement the necessary tools effectively, so we built a next-generation marketing command cert. Fueled by our passion for independent brands, we merged emerging technology with the art of branding to simplify hospitality marketing and deliver sustainable growth.

At The Host Stand Agency, we champion the unique spirit of every brand, ensuring that it shines in a crowded marketplace. Drawing on deep hospitality expertise, we help you harness the latest digital strategies and tools, refine your brand story, and forge genuine connections with today’s guests.

We’re here so your business doesn’t just adapt but is set to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Sumindi & Michael

Who we serve

Our Primary Service is focused on:

  • Restaurant Groups
  • Food Halls
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Nightlife Venues
  • Leisure Attractions
  • Real Estate Developers with Mixed-Use Developments & Attractions
We also handle select Food & Beverage CPG brands, including:

  • Spirits
  • Wine
  • Beer
  • Non-Alcoholic
  • Hydration
  • Functional Beverages
  • CSDs

Our

belief

Our belief

We love hospitality. We are passionate about this industry because it’s all about people serving people.

We believe restaurants are more than places to eat, and hotels are more than places to sleep; they are the heartbeat of our communities. They bring people together, fuel vibrant neighborhoods, support millions of livelihoods, and deliver joy and sustenance daily. In a digital world, they remain the cornerstone of “In-Real-Life” human interaction.

At Host Stand Agency, we combine the power of branding, marketing, and technology to help hospitality brands cut through the noise, attract the right guests, and build lasting human relationships.

Purpose: We are here to amplify the power of hospitality to bring people together and strengthen the social fabric that binds us all.

our foundersAsset 1

We’ve spent decades mastering the art and science of hospitality success. We make executive-level expertise accessible – delivering measurable results that boost revenue and ease the stress.

Sumindi Peiris

Redefining Hospitality and Restaurant Brand Building

Sumindi Peiris is an internationally recognized marketing leader with 25+ years of experience transforming global hospitality, restaurant, and lifestyle brands.

Read more...

She has partnered with restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues, designing bold campaigns that amplify brand identity and build lasting brand equity. From crafting transformative strategies for legendary brands such as Johnnie Walker, Hennessy, and Bombay Sapphire to redefining luxury hospitality for Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Sumindi has set industry standards for innovation and impact. Her work has earned global accolades, showcasing her masterful ability to fuse the artistry of brand storytelling with the science of consumer psychology and modern marketing technology. She has lived and worked across the US, Europe and Asia.

With a deep understanding of food halls and dining spaces, Sumindi excels in creating experiential platforms that connect brands with audiences. As Global CMO of Time Out Group, she led seven food halls across three continents, including the opening of Time Out Market Dubai in 2021. In her role, she reached over 150 restaurant brands. Her ability to combine creative vision, operational insights and informed customer behavior has made her a trusted advisor to operators seeking to redefine their place in hospitality. Guided by purpose and fueled by innovation, Sumindi continues to set the bar for excellence in the industry.

Michael Blatter

Marketing Pioneer and Hospitality Innovator

Michael Blatter is a transformative leader in marketing and hospitality, whose visionary strategies have reshaped both industries over the past two decades.

Read more...
Recognized as the original pioneer of modern influencer marketing, he coined the term in 1994, revolutionizing brand engagement by leveraging the cultural influence of tastemakers to elevate brands like Grubhub, Food Network, and Perrier. Among his many achievements, Michael created the world’s largest hospitality marketing network, encompassing over 1,600 high-profile restaurants, bars, and clubs to serve the spirits, beer, and tobacco industries, setting a global standard for experiential brand integration.

Michael’s hospitality expertise includes designing, building, and operating over 30 venues across the U.S., including restaurants, food halls, and nightclubs. As Chief Marketing Officer for Sushi By Bou, he propelled the brand’s expansion to 25 units while implementing a comprehensive tech stack with components delivering an impressive 6x ROI. Collaborating with Sumindi Peiris at Time Out, Michael and his agency spearheaded the integration of CRM and loyalty systems alongside one of the largest hospitality influencer programs, redefining audience engagement and retention. Throughout his illustrious career, Michael has crafted iconic campaigns for brands like Coca-Cola, Perrier, and Jack Daniel’s. His unparalleled ability to connect brands with audiences through unforgettable experiences continues to position him as a driving force in marketing and hospitality innovation.

our foundersAsset 1

We’ve spent decades mastering the art and science of hospitality success. We make executive-level expertise accessible – delivering measurable results that boost revenue and ease the stress.

Sumindi Peiris

Redefining Hospitality and Restaurant Brand Building

Sumindi Peiris is an internationally recognized marketing leader with 25+ years of experience transforming global hospitality, restaurant, and lifestyle brands.

Read more...

She has partnered with restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues, designing bold campaigns that amplify brand identity and build lasting brand equity. From crafting transformative strategies for legendary brands such as Johnnie Walker, Hennessy, and Bombay Sapphire to redefining luxury hospitality for Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Sumindi has set industry standards for innovation and impact. Her work has earned global accolades, showcasing her masterful ability to fuse the artistry of brand storytelling with the science of consumer psychology and modern marketing technology. She has lived and worked across the US, Europe and Asia.

With a deep understanding of food halls and dining spaces, Sumindi excels in creating experiential platforms that connect brands with audiences. As Global CMO of Time Out Group, she led seven food halls across three continents, including the opening of Time Out Market Dubai in 2021. In her role, she reached over 150 restaurant brands. Her ability to combine creative vision, operational insights and informed customer behavior has made her a trusted advisor to operators seeking to redefine their place in hospitality. Guided by purpose and fueled by innovation, Sumindi continues to set the bar for excellence in the industry.

Michael Blatter

Marketing Pioneer and Hospitality Innovator

Michael Blatter is a transformative leader in marketing and hospitality, whose visionary strategies have reshaped both industries over the past two decades.

Read more...
Recognized as the original pioneer of modern influencer marketing, he coined the term in 1994, revolutionizing brand engagement by leveraging the cultural influence of tastemakers to elevate brands like Grubhub, Food Network, and Perrier. Among his many achievements, Michael created the world’s largest hospitality marketing network, encompassing over 1,600 high-profile restaurants, bars, and clubs to serve the spirits, beer, and tobacco industries, setting a global standard for experiential brand integration.

Michael’s hospitality expertise includes designing, building, and operating over 30 venues across the U.S., including restaurants, food halls, and nightclubs. As Chief Marketing Officer for Sushi By Bou, he propelled the brand’s expansion to 25 units while implementing a comprehensive tech stack with components delivering an impressive 6x ROI. Collaborating with Sumindi Peiris at Time Out, Michael and his agency spearheaded the integration of CRM and loyalty systems alongside one of the largest hospitality influencer programs, redefining audience engagement and retention. Throughout his illustrious career, Michael has crafted iconic campaigns for brands like Coca-Cola, Perrier, and Jack Daniel’s. His unparalleled ability to connect brands with audiences through unforgettable experiences continues to position him as a driving force in marketing and hospitality innovation.

our foundersAsset 1

We’ve spent decades mastering the art and science of hospitality success. We make executive-level expertise accessible – delivering measurable results that boost revenue and ease the stress.

Sumindi Peiris

Redefining Hospitality and Restaurant Brand Building

Sumindi Peiris is an internationally recognized marketing leader with 25+ years of experience transforming global hospitality, restaurant, and lifestyle brands.

Read more...

She has partnered with restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues, designing bold campaigns that amplify brand identity and build lasting brand equity. From crafting transformative strategies for legendary brands such as Johnnie Walker, Hennessy, and Bombay Sapphire to redefining luxury hospitality for Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Sumindi has set industry standards for innovation and impact. Her work has earned global accolades, showcasing her masterful ability to fuse the artistry of brand storytelling with the science of consumer psychology and modern marketing technology. She has lived and worked across the US, Europe and Asia.

With a deep understanding of food halls and dining spaces, Sumindi excels in creating experiential platforms that connect brands with audiences. As Global CMO of Time Out Group, she led seven food halls across three continents, including the opening of Time Out Market Dubai in 2021. In her role, she reached over 150 restaurant brands. Her ability to combine creative vision, operational insights and informed customer behavior has made her a trusted advisor to operators seeking to redefine their place in hospitality. Guided by purpose and fueled by innovation, Sumindi continues to set the bar for excellence in the industry.

Michael Blatter

Marketing Pioneer and Hospitality Innovator

Michael Blatter is a transformative leader in marketing and hospitality, whose visionary strategies have reshaped both industries over the past two decades.

Read more...
Recognized as the original pioneer of modern influencer marketing, he coined the term in 1994, revolutionizing brand engagement by leveraging the cultural influence of tastemakers to elevate brands like Grubhub, Food Network, and Perrier. Among his many achievements, Michael created the world’s largest hospitality marketing network, encompassing over 1,600 high-profile restaurants, bars, and clubs to serve the spirits, beer, and tobacco industries, setting a global standard for experiential brand integration.

Michael’s hospitality expertise includes designing, building, and operating over 30 venues across the U.S., including restaurants, food halls, and nightclubs. As Chief Marketing Officer for Sushi By Bou, he propelled the brand’s expansion to 25 units while implementing a comprehensive tech stack with components delivering an impressive 6x ROI. Collaborating with Sumindi Peiris at Time Out, Michael and his agency spearheaded the integration of CRM and loyalty systems alongside one of the largest hospitality influencer programs, redefining audience engagement and retention. Throughout his illustrious career, Michael has crafted iconic campaigns for brands like Coca-Cola, Perrier, and Jack Daniel’s. His unparalleled ability to connect brands with audiences through unforgettable experiences continues to position him as a driving force in marketing and hospitality innovation.

Our values

Our values guide how we work, collaborate, and grow – internally, with our vendors, and with our clients. These principles shape our culture and ensure that we remain a trusted growth partner.

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