CALGARY — Concorde Entertainment Group and Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality (O&B) have launched a strategic partnership, creating one of the largest independently held hospitality groups in North America.
With more than 3,000 employees and 60 operating restaurants, collectively, and event venues across Canada, the two companies will continue to run as separate entities with their respective executive and management teams. They will focus on leveraging operational synergies, including purchasing power, talent development and acquisition, while accelerating future growth plans.
“As Canada’s restaurant landscape grows, this strategic partnership with Concorde Entertainment Group will allows us to continue developing unique restaurant concepts, while achieving operational efficiencies usually only attainable by large-scale chain operators,” says Andrew Oliver, president and CEO, O&B. “Our shared infrastructure will help support the development of creative culinary talent and contribute to Canada’s ever-evolving restaurant culture.”
“Oliver & Bonacini have grown their company much like we have. We’ve brought some of the city’s most dynamic concepts to life by supplementing extreme talent and passion with our corporate experience in branding and design, human resources, finance and connection to community. This new partnership with O&B positions us favourably to accelerate growth in Canada,” says Victor Choy, president and CEO, Concorde Entertainment Group.
Beyond the geographical synergies both companies share, there is a mutual focus on growth. O&B has plans to open several new restaurant concepts in Edmonton’s Ice District in 2019, while Concorde will continue to open independent restaurants and focus on expanding its National Beer Hall brand across the country. Details on new collaborations are expected to be announced later this year.
