Pundole quits Chetrit’s King & Grove hotel brand

Just as hotel brand King & Grove is gaining momentum, Ben Pundole, who founded the brand along with his former Morgans Hotel Group boss Ed Scheetz, has resigned. According to the New York Post, Pundole quit when he realized promises from Scheetz and major stakeholder Joseph Chetrit to turn over at least partial control of the company to him would never materialize.

King & Grove originally operated the Surf Lodge and Ruschmeyer’s on the East End before taking over a hotel in South Beach and gradually building its New York City portfolio with Chetrit’s backing. The company assumed management duties at Hotel Chelsea, recently took over Hotel Lola, and bought the Hotel Williamsburg, a property that was scouted, singled out and staffed by Pundole, according to the Post.

“Chetrit and Scheetz are taking his hard work, contacts and hip following,” a source told the Post. King & Grove declined to comment and Pundole now appears headed to work for Ian Schrager.

Meanwhile, Chetrit and Scheetz are in talks with Jeff Klein, who owns the Sunset Tower Hotel, to become an equal partner and guide the brand. [Post]