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January 13, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
William H. Warshauer
504/582-6910
fax: 504/582-6909
PAT O'BRIEN'S EXPANSION CONTINUES
Construction Underway at Universal CityWalk in Orlando, Florida
NEW ORLEANS -- Pat O'Brien's Bar, a New Orleans icon and home
of the world famous Hurricane, has announced the start of construction
for its first U. S. location outside New Orleans at Universal
CityWalk in Orlando, Florida. This Orlando venture with Universal
is part of Pat O'Brien's national franchise expansion program
for its world famous entertainment concept. The 17,500
square-foot replica of New Orleans' Pat O'Brien's will open this
year and will include the Piano Bar, the Main Bar, and the outdoor
Patio with Pat O's famous Flaming Fountain. Universal CityWalk
is a 30-acre entertainment complex offering a legendary gathering
of entertainment trend-setters presented through live music,
themed restaurants, one-of-a-kind specialty shops, state-of-the-art
movie theaters and electrifying dance clubs.
Pat O'Brien's has prepared for many years to expand its operations.
With the opening of Cancún in 1991 and the Universal
CityWalk project presently under construction, Pat O'Brien's
has clearly established acceptance of its concept outside New
Orleans.
Pat O'Brien's is currently negotiating with various potential
franchisees for locations in the United States and internationally.
Markets identified for potential franchises include Atlanta,
Branson, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami,
Myrtle Beach, Nashville, San Antonio, San Francisco, and San
Diego.
Bill Warshauer, who heads Pat O'Brien's International, Inc.
says, "Pat O'Brien's is optimistic that future franchise
announcements will be forthcoming during 1998." Owner
and President George D. "Sonny" Oechsner, III stated
that they have conducted extensive research of most major U.
S. cities to identify markets that meet the stringent Pat O'Brien's
formula for success. Their formula favors cities with strong
tourist and convention trades and vital downtown areas that attract
pedestrian traffic.
"Visitors from all over the world have continued to experience
the original Pat O'Brien's for more than 64 years. It is
only natural to want to bring a piece of New Orleans to these
new locations," Oechsner said. "Universal CityWalk
in Orlando is a perfect match for Pat O'Brien's, and the excitement
continues to grow as the opening date nears." |