a look at...
Mary and Peter Kreuziger
photography by Win Wolloff
Peter Kreuziger is the president and CEO of Bon Appétit
Group, which operates restaurants, state park concessions
and retail leasing. Born in Austria, he began his hospitality
studies at the Benedictine Abbey of Melk and later immigrated
to America, where he graduated from Cornell University.
Upon graduation, Peter opened and managed hotels and
restaurants throughout North America and the Caribbean
before opening his Bon Appétit Restaurant on the Dunedin
waterfront in 1976. Outside of Bon Appétit Group, he is deeply
involved with the Tampa Bay area as a founding member of
the Dunedin Merchants Association and a founding president
of the United States Special Operations Command Memorial
Foundation. In 2005, Peter graduated from the Citizen’s
Academy of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and serves
as a civilian ambassador to the FBI.
Mary was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
She attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where she
studied interior design. After graduation, Mary moved to
Florida to pursue her career and in turn, met Peter. Since
the beginning of Bon Appétit Restaurant, Mary has been the
creative force for marketing and design for the company, which
has now expanded into multiple divisions of the Bon Appétit
Group. Mary’s eye for design spills over into projects for their
home and garden. She and Peter are longtime residents of
Dunedin, where they raised their two daughters, Courtney
and Casey, and currently reside with two very loved pugs.
What is you favorite word?
Mary: My favorite word is “yes.” I am not fond of negativity.
“Yes” is a word that helps you move forward.
Peter: Gratitude.
What provides you with pleasure?
Mary: Anything that involves creativity –– playing in the
garden, moving furniture around, cuddling with our puppies
and being with interesting and positive people.
Peter: Exercise.
How do you relax?
Mary: Going out with my friends.
Peter: Reading.
130 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JULY/AUGUST 2018
Why do you do what you do?
Mary: I am very fortunate to have a job that I am able to do
what I enjoy most in life, design and create. Also, the people I
work with are like family. We are always there for one another.
Peter: I have always enjoyed the hospitality business.
What is your motto?
Mary: I try to live by the words of Tim McGraw’s song,
“Humble and Kind.”
Peter: When life is pressing you down a bit, rest if you
must, but never quit.
How do you think other people would describe you?
Mary: Happy, welcoming, and probably a bit silly.
Peter: Reliable, trustworthy, and a leader.
What would you like to do that you have never done?
Mary: Volunteer at a hospital where I could watch over
newborns and babies.
Peter: Pursue an acting career.
How would you describe yourself?
Mary: Caring.
Peter: Resilient and gregarious with a sense of humor.
What would you like to be able to do that you can’t do?
Mary: Be a carpenter.
Peter: Practice law or medicine.
What is your idea of happiness?
Mary: Peace and Unity.
Peter: To be of service to others.
What is your pet peeve?
Mary: A weak handshake with no eye contact.
Peter: Tardiness, unreliability and dishonesty.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
Mary: Interior designer.
Peter: I am doing it daily. 9