Chris began his career in operations with Scott Enterprises, serving as part of the management and opening team for the first of five Applebee’s restaurants developed by the company. He later became Director of Operations for 12 Arby’s locations across Pennsylvania and Ohio. After the sale of those units, Chris shifted to the hotel division, attending Marriott’s management training in Washington, D.C., before returning to Erie to manage the Residence Inn by Marriott. He soon began overseeing all hotels within the company’s portfolio.

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Chris was a pivotal contributor to the vision, planning, and construction of Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park, a $40 million project that has become one of the nation's top indoor water park destinations. After conducting two years of in‑depth research that included site visits across the U.S. and Canada, he helped guide the project from concept to reality. He also managed the development of the adjacent Holiday Inn Express & Suites, further solidifying Scott Enterprises’ role as a leader in regional tourism and hospitality.

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Today, Chris works closely with his brother, Nick Jr., to lead more than 2,000 team members across 24 businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and entertainment destinations such as Splash Lagoon and Peek’n Peak Resort. He provides executive oversight of hotel operations, significant renovations, new construction projects, the company’s sales team, and its insurance programs.

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Notable accomplishments under his leadership include:

• The acquisition and revitalization of Peek’n Peak Resort in Clymer, NY.

• Expansion of Splash Lagoon, including the addition of a 30,000-square-foot wave pool.

• The development of Sola Salon Studios Erie in 2023 — a first-to-market salon suite concept offering 40 private studios for beauty professionals.

• The introduction of Roma’s Italian Kitchen in 2024, which has quickly become Erie’s highest-rated Italian restaurant on OpenTable.

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Chris also played a leading role in the company’s most ambitious project to date: the development of Harbor Place on Erie’s Bayfront. After breaking ground in 2018, Scott Enterprises invested over $25 million in private capital, leveraging a $5 million RACP grant to bring Phase One of this $150 million mixed-use development to life. This transformation included:

• The Hampton Inn & Suites Bayfront, offering modern accommodations with sweeping waterfront views.

• Oliver’s Rooftop Restaurant, nationally recognized and named Most Romantic Restaurant in Pennsylvania.

• Oliver’s Bayfront Mini Golf, a par-57 course located on Erie’s waterfront.

• Oliver’s Beer Garden, a popular seasonal venue featuring local craft beer, live music, and stunning Bayfront views.

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These developments have transformed a once-underutilized area into a vibrant destination, attracting more than 4 million visitors annually.

Looking ahead, Chris and Scott Enterprises are actively developing Phase Two of Harbor Place, which will include a new AC Marriott hotel, a rooftop bar and lounge, and a seasonal ice skating rink — all slated to open in 2026.

 

Chris is deeply committed to serving the Erie community. He is an active member of several boards and advisory committees, including: 

• Saint Vincent Hospital Alliance for Pediatric Care (a division of Shriners Hospital)

• St. Vincent Foundation Board

• Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Advisory Council

• Pennsylvania Tourism Advisory Committee

• Career Street Advisory Board

• Northwest Savings Bank Advisory Board

• Rotary International and the Executive Committee for the American Heart Association Ball

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Chris lives in Erie with his wife, Maria, and their four children.