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January 14, 1997
Pat O'Brien's Bar Announces National
Franchise Expansion Plans
NEW ORLEANS, LA -- Pat O'Brien's Bar, a New Orleans icon and
home of the world-famous Hurricane, is bringing the Old World
charm of its French Quarter location to major cities and tourist
destinations throughout the country.
"A national franchise expansion program is underway,"
said Owner and President George D. "Sonny" Oechsner,
III on the company's recent 63rd birthday.
After preparing for the last five years to branch out, the
New Orleans entertainment facility has identified at least eight
major cities for potential franchise sites. They include: Las
Vegas, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, Myrtle Beach, Nashville,
San Antonio and San Francisco. Other areas are also under consideration.
Several preliminary conversations have taken place. However,
"The doors are still open. We have not solidified anything
yet as it was premature to do so until our organization was ready.
Now we are ready," Oechsner said.
"Extensive research of most major U.S. cities has been
conducted to identify those that meet the stringent Pat O'Brien's
formula for success," Oechsner said.
That formula favors cities with strong tourist and convention
trades and vital downtown areas which attract pedestrian traffic.
The Pat O'Brien's concept features three unique bars: a lively
piano lounge, where customers are part of the entertainment;
an outdoor patio, featuring Pat O's famous flaming fountain;
and the main bar, where the locals gather. Recently, a restaurant,
Pat O's Courtyard, has been added to the mix.
Testing its expansion plans, the company opened its first
international location in Cancun, Mexico via a license agreement.
Now in its fifth year, Pat O'Brien's Cancun is a proven success,
blending New Orleans traditions with a Mexican flair.
In March 1995, Pat O'Brien's signed an agreement with Universal
Studios Florida to develop a replica of the French Quarter facility
in Orlando. The project is part of a 12-acre entertainement complex,
which is scheduled to open in early 1998 and is a featured element
in Universal's multi-billion dollar expansion into Universal
City Florida.
Bill Warshauer leads Pat O'Brien's International, Inc., the
company that will license and control the future growth of the
New Orleans landmark |