January 09, 2007

Power and Light District Unveils New Group of Tenants

KANSAS CITY, MO –The Cordish Company and the City of Kansas City announced today the addition of five exciting and distinctively different tenants to the Power & Light District.  Tenants are Gordon Biersch Brewery and Restaurant, Mosaic Lounge, Jos. A. Bank, Famous Dave’s Barbecue, and Chipotle Mexican Grill. 

“All of these tenants have a proven track record of success in major markets around the country, and the City of Kansas City couldn’t be happier with the level of quality product each of these companies produces.  The diversity of each of the tenant’s offerings is definitely a plus,” said Mayor Kay Barnes.

Gordon Biersch Brewery and Restaurant
Gordon Biersch Brewery and Restaurant will anchor 8,500 square feet on the ground floor of the southwest corner of the Kansas City Live! block.  Gordon Biersch is focused on the unique combination of friendly service, great food and fresh beer.  A full scale brewery will be located inside the restaurant, as well as an outdoor beer garden in the Kansas City Live! plaza.  The recipe for Gordon Biersch beer contains only four ingredients (barley, hops, water and yeast) as dictated by the 500-year-old German purity law called Reinheitsgebot. Gordon Biersch currently has 17 locations in 13 states and Washington, D.C., and the Power & Light District location will be the restaurant and brewery’s first in Missouri. 

“We are extremely proud to be able to bring our unique combination of fresh brewed beer and creative cuisine to Kansas City.  This particular development offers the perfect high energy, casually sophisticated platform to showcase the Gordon Biersch brand,” said Allen Corey, CEO and President of the Gordon Biersch Restaurant Group, Inc.  “We have seen quite a bit of success in urban renewal projects ranging from Washington, D.C. to Honolulu, HI.  We see this project as an exciting opportunity to take part in the growth of a revitalized downtown environment.”

Mosaic
With current locations in Baltimore and Houston, Mosaic is nationally recognized for its presentation of international DJ talent.  Mosaic was recently included in Spin Magazine’s “101 Best Nights Out in America” list.  The 7,100 sq ft club will be located on the second floor of the Kansas City Live! block, facing Grand Street between 13th and 14th Streets.  

Designed by the MUSE New York team (Pangaea, Gryphon, and Rum Jungle [as part of  Jeffrey Beers]), Mosaic (www.mosaic-lounge.com) features a sexy South Beach style décor that is enhanced by an acclaimed DJ series and live instrumental entertainment.  Mosiac’s opening date is slated for October 2007.

“Mosaic’s success lies in combining world-class DJ talent in an approachable yet beautiful lounge environment,” stated LG Concannon, Mosaic founder.   “We offer our guests an opportunity to experience great nightlife in a sophisticated setting.  Mosaic is a part of us and a true passion, and unlike some nightlife options we are always inviting, as we love the opportunity to open up our “home” to our guests. While Mosaic looks and feels sexy, it is still a party!”

Famous Dave’s Barbecue
Famous Dave’s Barbecue, a 6,300 sq ft restaurant touted for its “Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que”, will be located along “Restaurant Row” in the Power & Light District on the south side of 14th Street between Walnut Street and Grand Boulevard.  Founded by the innovative entrepreneur and community activist, Dave Anderson, Famous Dave’s has been recognized as one of the “Hottest Restaurant Concept’s in America” by Nation’s Restaurant News. 

“We are very excited to be a part of this great project, and we look forward to working in conjunction with the Sprint Center,” said Willy Theisen, President of Famous Dave’s Barbecue.  “I would like to personally thank The Cordish Company for their hard work and dedication to this project.”

Jos. A. Bank
Retail leader Jos. A. Bank, will occupy a 4,300 sq ft store featuring a full selection of men’s tailored and casual clothing, footwear and accessories.  With over 350 stores nationwide, Jos. A. Bank has a heritage of over 102 years of quality, value and service.  The store will be located on the west side of Main Street between 13th and 14th Streets.  

Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle Mexican Grill, serving a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bols, and salads, will open a 2,400 sq ft restaurant at the northwest corner of Walnut Street and 14th Street.  Chipotle’s philosophy is to demonstrate that food served fast does not have to be a “fast-food” experience.  They feature high-quality raw ingredients, classic cooking methods and a distinctive interior design.

“We are thrilled to have five of the country’s premier and most sought after tenants committed to our project,” said Blake Cordish, Vice President of The Cordish Company.  “The Power & Light District will be one of the most exciting entertainment districts in the entire county.”

About the Power & Light District
The Power & Light District will create a vibrant, new nine block neighborhood in downtown Kansas City which will redefine the City from its skyline to its sidewalks.  The District will link together the renovated Bartle Hall Convention Center, the new Sprint Center, offices, hotels, entertainment, cultural destinations and residential developments.  Developed in partnership with the City of Kansas City and the State of Missouri, the $850 million mixed-use District will anchor $2 billion of complimentary development efforts in downtown Kansas City, such as the new H&R Block world-wide headquarters.  The combination of entertainment, retail, nightlife and residential with imaginative and innovative design will create a unique and vibrant neighborhood.  The retail and entertainment portion of the Power & Light District will feature the country’s premier concepts.  Gordon Biersch, Mosaic, Famous Dave’s Barbecue, Jos. A. Bank, and Chipotle will join previously announced tenants such as the Bristol Seafood Grill, ChinaBAR, Vinino, Cosentino’s Downtown Gourmet Market, AMC’s flagship arts movie theater in the revitalized Empire Theater, and a 3,000 capacity live music venue in the Midland Theater.  The Power & Light District will feature vibrant lighting and landscaping, outdoor seating for restaurants, and a permanent performance stage to provide live entertainment.

About The Cordish Company

The Cordish Company (www.cordish.com), now in its fourth generation of family ownership, is a multi-billion dollar conglomerate including one of the leading real estate development companies in the United States.  The Company has diverse development expertise with divisions focused on Entertainment & Mixed-Use, Gaming & Lodging, Sports Anchored Districts, Shopping & Lifestyle Retail, Office and Residential.  The Cordish Company also owns and manages a diverse group of operating businesses, ranging from restaurants/clubs to live music promotion to film/media distribution.  The company values itself on the quality of its operations, its long-term relationships, and high level of integrity in all of its endeavors. 

Best known for its real estate expertise, The Cordish Company is the largest and most successful developer of entertainment districts and concepts in the United States. In particular, the company has unparalleled experience in creating and revitalizing high-profile destinations in urban core locations. Many of the Cordish Company's projects involve public/private partnerships and are of unique significance to the cities in which they are located. Prime examples are the company's prominent role in the redevelopment of four highly successful projects in Baltimore's world-famous Inner Harbor; Atlantic City, NJ; Hollywood, FL; Charleston, SC; Houston, TX; Louisville, KY; and Tampa, FL.  The company currently has over one billion dollars in construction in cities such as Kansas City, MO; St. Louis, MO; Pittsburgh, PA; Atlantic City, NJ; Houston, TX, etc.

The Cordish Company has received the highest possible national awards in its various areas of expertise. In real estate, the Cordish Company has received an unprecedented six Urban Land Institute Awards of Excellence.

About Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Group

“Every Guest, Every Time” is the motto behind Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Group that serves as a constant reminder of where their business is focused. The company consists of a variety of brewery restaurant brands all focused on the unique combination of friendly service, fresh beer and great food. The Gordon Biersch brand offers an eclectic, sophisticated décor that distinguishes itself from other brewery restaurant concepts. At the core of the company’s philosophy is a passion to produce and deliver the highest-quality and freshest products. On-site brewing and fresh, made-from-scratch menu items illustrate the company’s dedication to this principle.  The Gordon Biersch menu offers a wide variety of compelling flavors and taste profiles.  One of the most popular sections of the menu is the appetizer category which proves popular in the social setting of the brewery restaurant.  Such appetizers as Garlic French Fries,
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Calamari, and Shrimp and Chicken Potstickers lead an abundant list of options.  Popular entrees include New York Strip, Sweet and Spicy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry, Cajun Pasta and Barbecued Salmon. Gordon Biersch restaurants promote a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, where attentive and friendly service compliments the fresh food and beer. Today, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Group, Inc. has brewery restaurants in California, Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Las Vegas, Tennessee, Washington, DC and Virginia. 

About Mosaic
The Mosaic concept originated in Baltimore, Maryland.  The marriage of style and substance has lead to Mosaic being regularly recognized by Baltimore regional media, repeatedly being named Baltimore’s Best Lounge and by national publications such as GQ Magazine for its incredible atmosphere and entertainment.

The Mosaic concept will be operated by Sonic Soul Productions.  Originally a collective of DJs, musicians, and visual artists established 1992, Sonic Soul Productions has grown to into industry leader in the mid-Atlantic region as a producer of national and international DJ events, long-running nightclub promotions, the Strut fashion shows, talent bookings, and venue operations. In 2005 alone, Sonic Soul produced over 200 major events, including the acclaimed “Mosaic in Miami” party at the Winter Music Conference in South Beach.

In 2003 Sonic Soul took over operations of Mosaic Lounge in Baltimore, MD.  The creator behind both Sonic Soul and Mosaic is LG Concannon, a.k.a.  DJ LoveGrove, winner of Baltimore’s Best DJ Award (Baltimore Magazine ’03, and Baltimore City Paper Reader’s Poll ’02). 

About Famous Dave’s Barbeque

Few restaurants have achieved as much recognition in a few short years as Famous Dave’s!

Dave’s road to fame began with a strong hankerin’ for fine barbecue folks had ever tasted.  He visited rib shacks, roadside joints, every hole-in-the-wall or fancy pants supper club he could, all in search of the most succulent meats, savory seasonings and lipsmackin’ sauces around.

After 25 years of tastin’ and cookin’, Dave’s barbecue just plain knocked the socks off his family and friends.  That’s when Dave decided he had to share.  He wanted to give all the folks a chance to dig into his best barbecue ever.  And in a place as down-home fun and frolicsome as the shacks and clubs he went a callin’ on all those years.

Folks like you made Dave “Famous”.  His barbecue and restaurants have been showered in more awards than he has walls to hang ‘em on.  Over two hundred for best ribs, best new restaurant, best music, best take-out ad best barbecue joint.  Heck, we didn’t even have ta’ bribe the judges.

Fair and square, Famous Dave’s offers great barbecue and fun.  But that’s for you to judge, ‘cause after all, you’re our best critics.  Come on in, we’ll treat y’all right.

About Jos. A. Bank

Jos. A. Bank is not just another menswear retailer.  What makes us unique is also what has attracted customers to our stores for over 102 years; a heritage of quality and workmanship, an extensive selection of beautifully made, classically styled tailored and casual clothing, and prices typically 20 to 30 percent below our competitors.  Add to that an expert staff of sales professionals who prize service and customer satisfaction above all, and you get the idea.

About Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG)(NYSE:CMGB) offers a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bols (a burrito without the tortilla) and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in a distinctive atmosphere.  Through our vision with Food with Integrity, Chipotle is seeking better food not only from a variety of fresh ingredients, but ingredients that are sustainably grown and naturally raised with respect for animals, the land, and the farmers who produce the food.  Chipotle opened its first restaurant in 1993 and operates more than 530 restaurants today.  For more information, visit www.chipotle.com.

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