Todd Hone

As Idlewild & SoakZone prepares to welcome guests back for the 2026 season on May 23, Tim Heger, General Manager of Idlewild & SoakZone, shares a special message with our guests, team members, and community. https://bit.ly/4nzBm8X We look forward to another season of creating lasting family memories and continuing the traditions that have made Idlewild a beloved destination for generations.

Today was a powerful day as we celebrated the incredible 50-year careers of Larry Russ, a longtime staple in our security department, and Bobby Trygar, a key fixture in our maintenance crew. We also recognized the career of Joe Barron, who retired as HR Director in 2023 after 51 years of service, and the Henninger and McSwigan families, who owned and operated Kennywood for more than a century. Larry, Bobby, Joe and the Henninger and McSwigan families each received a park bench dedicated in their name to honor their legacies of service. Also in attendance were State Sen. Nick Pisciottano and State Rep. John Inglis, who presented citations from both Pennsylvania chambers in recognition of these amazing careers; and Gerald Rakestraw our Regional President. Gerald presented Larry and Bobby custom-blown glass pieces from Silver Dollar City, our sister park. On the pieces, the two rising forms become intertwined, symbolizing the journey of the employee and park growing together over five decades. Let's go back to the special benches. As explained at this morning's ceremony: There is something special about a Kennywood bench. They are places where families gather, friends laugh and little moments become lifelong memories. Like a Kennywood bench, Larry, Bobby, Joe and both families were and are a steady presence, source of comfort and part of the foundation that has supported Kennywood and its people. Long after today, guests and Hosts will pass by these benches, pause for a moment, and be reminded that Kennywood's story was shaped by people and families Larry, Bobby, Joe, the Henningers and McSwigans who gave so much of themselves to Kennywood and our community. Their legacy will forever have a place in Kennywood.

F&B Secrets You Didn’t Know Little Things. Big Impact. In the Food & Beverage industry, excellence is often hidden in the smallest details. Guests may notice the ambiance, service, and food—but behind every perfect dining experience lies thoughtful planning, professional etiquette, and psychological design. Here are some lesser-known F&B secrets that make a big difference: 1. Lemon in Water Glass 🍋 A slice of lemon in water is not only for decoration or flavor. Purpose: * Refreshes the palate between bites * Helps cleanse taste buds * Adds a premium presentation touch * Encourages hydration during the meal Why it matters: It enhances the guest’s overall dining experience with a simple but elegant gesture. 2. Bread Plate is Not Extra 🍽️ Many guests think the bread plate is only for serving bread. Actual Purpose: * Keeps the dining table organized * Prevents crumbs and mess on the tablecloth * Used for butter, bread rolls, and side accompaniments * Helps maintain proper table etiquette Why it matters: It improves cleanliness and creates a more refined dining setup. 3. Dim Lighting 💡 Restaurants often use warm, dim lighting for a reason. Psychological Effect: * Creates a relaxed mood * Encourages guests to stay longer * Makes food presentation look richer * Increases comfort and satisfaction Why it matters: Lighting influences emotions and directly affects the guest experience. 4. Napkin Etiquette 🧻 Napkin placement sends silent messages during dining. Rules: * Napkin on lap: Guest is currently dining * Napkin on chair: Guest will return shortly * Napkin on table after meal: Meal is completed Why it matters: It helps staff understand guest intentions without interrupting them. 5. Wait Time is Not Always a Delay ⏳ In quality restaurants, some waiting time is intentional. Reason: * Fresh food takes time to prepare * Courses are timed properly * Kitchen ensures quality and presentation * Creates smoother dining flow Why it matters: Great service is not rushing—it is controlled timing. 6. Service is a Silent Language Outstanding service often happens without many words. Examples: * Genuine smile * Eye contact * Confident posture * Reading guest needs quickly * Anticipating requests before asked Why it matters: Guests remember how staff made them feel more than what was said. Pro Tip Great F&B experiences are not expensive—they are well thought out. Luxury is not always about price. It is about attention to detail, consistency, timing, and heartfelt service. Final Thought Behind every perfect meal is: ✔ A system ✔ A standard ✔ A story That is the real secret of Food & Beverage

Happy opening day from Kennywood Park! My senior supervisor team helped me create a video for our hosts(SpongeBob themed, of course), celebrating our first day of operation. Super excited for the 2026 season!

As Kennywood gears up to open for the season on April 18, General Manager Ricky Spicuzza talks about what it takes to run the region's iconic amusement park. Full story here: https://bizj.us/1qpqm4

On April 30, 2019, Riley Howell, a 21-year-old ROTC cadet, displayed extraordinary courage when a former student opened fire inside a classroom at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte during final presentations. With no training and no weapon, Howell made a split-second decision to charge at the gunman, tackling him to the ground. He was shot three times during the struggle, but his actions caused the shooter to stop firing. The gunman later revealed that Howell’s brave move had prevented further casualties. Howell was hailed as a hero, and despite his tragic death, his bravery saved lives. In addition to being honored with full military funeral honors, he became the first civilian to receive the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Medal of Valor. LucasFilm, a company Howell admired, honored him by writing him into Star Wars canon as Jedi Master Ri-Lee Howell. His story continues to inspire others with its selfless heroism. #LiftYourVoiceJax

Today, Anthony Napolitano and I had the opportunity to attend a Veterans Job Fair at Acrisure Stadium sponsored by DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and RecruitMilitary. It was an honor to meet and speak with so many veterans who are continuing their journey of service by transitioning into civilian careers. We had great conversations about the many opportunities available at Kennywood Park and how the skills developed in the military translate extremely well into roles within our operation. One topic that came up frequently was the transition from the strong sense of camaraderie in a military or law enforcement career to the civilian workforce. Many veterans shared that one of the biggest adjustments after leaving the service is the loss of that close-knit team environment. It was great to talk about how that same spirit of teamwork, trust, and shared mission still exists at Kennywood. Our teams rely on each other, support one another, and work together every day to accomplish a common goal. Veterans bring leadership, discipline, situational awareness, teamwork, and a mission-focused mindset — all qualities that are incredibly valuable in our industry and especially within our Security, Maintenance, and Operations teams. Many of the same skills used in the military directly align with what we do every day at Kennywood to create a safe and welcoming environment for our guests. We also had the opportunity to highlight Herschend’s strong commitment to supporting those who have served. Through a culture centered on service, leadership, and teamwork — and values like Heartspitality and Leading with Love — Herschend Family Entertainment is proud to be a veteran-friendly organization where military experience is respected and valued. We’re proud to support those who have served and to help connect veterans with meaningful employment opportunities where their experience and dedication continue to make an impact. Thank you to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and RecruitMilitary for hosting a great event and for the work they do to support our veteran community. #Veterans #VeteranHiring #RecruitMilitary #DAV #Kennywood #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #Teamwork #Herschend #HerschendFamily #Heartspitality #LeadingWithLove