LW Business Operations Inc. - Profile

BUSINESS PROFILE

LW Business Operations Inc. (LW) is a focused operational planning, design, and management firm specializing in large-scale and mixed-use facilities in the entertainment and leisure segments of the industry, both domestically and internationally. From theme parks to cultural attractions, to sports facilities, night clubs, theaters, restaurants and bars, and family entertainment centers, we serve a variety of clients in every area of planning a successful operation Key in our planning orientation is the successful integration of the creative with the functional, designs that work during the peak and off-peak realities of the business cycles, and spaces that efficiently function and accommodate flexible needs for special events and future growth

Led by Lawrence Wittenberg with over four decades in the industry in both management and consulting capacities, LW is a boutique firm that has long held associations with highly experienced expert individuals and firms in all operating areas: Guest Services, Admissions, Safety and Security, Organization Structure, Recruiting, Management and Line Operations Training, Manpower Loading and Scheduling, Standards of Execution and Standard Operating Procedures, Employee Services, Cleanliness and Sanitation, Trash and Recycling, Repair and Maintenance, Food and Beverage, Retail Development and Merchandising, Marketing and Sales, Operating Systems and IT, Financial Budgeting, Reporting, and Performance All guest and staff touch points of the operation are covered for both front-of-house and back-of-house areas.

Our associate firms have decades of on-the-ground line and corporate profit and loss experience in departments including: All Line Staff Operations, Human Resources, Sales and Marketing, Food and Beverage, Retail, Ride Systems and Maintenance, and Finance and Administration Associate firms are based in the USA along with Beijing and Shanghai operations and marketing firms

Starting with market and financial feasibility studies reviews then following with the master plan, design program, and services and guest flows, integrated input is provided through all phases of documentation, designs are optimized for the most efficient positioning, sizing, and functionality with the creative, facility, and area development designers and architects. Guest experience and operating business intelligence are incorporated into the drawings at all phased levels of design.

All areas of operations planning; owner furnished FF&E, operations development, recruiting, staffing, and training, soft and grand opening, and operations oversight follow. Ongoing operations assessments and improvements are also available.

BRIEF BIO

Lawrence Wittenberg brings decades of experience in providing owners, developers, designers, consulting firms, and operators with international planning, development, and senior operating management experience in the themed entertainment business including theme parks, retail, food & beverage and hospitality, retail, dining, entertainment destinations, and sports facilities industry segments.

Key areas of expertise include strategic and business planning, master planning and site development, facility programming and design optimization, pre-opening planning, and a full range of operations guidance covering staffing, organizational planning, financial projections, full facility operations and maintenance, food service and retail improvements and management services, marketing and sponsorship development and integration, and quality and profit maximization for existing operations.

Mr. Wittenberg was the Chief Operating Officer for Delaware North Companies Sportservice leading the operations of an established $750 million hospitality and retail subsidiary for 29 major league sports franchises covering Major League Baseball, National Football League, National Basketball League, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, concert, and entertainment events, and over 20 other operations including Minor League Baseball, Spring Training, Minor League Hockey, Amphitheater, Expo Centers and Flea Markets.

Previously, he was the Corporate Director of Food Service at Six Flags Theme Parks and was responsible for international and domestic food service operations at 35 properties with over $250 million in annual revenue where he achieved record profit growth annually during his 2001 to 2008 tenure.

Mr. Wittenberg also served as the Director of Food Service Development for Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure theme park where he led the concept, planning, design, operations, and integration of the new property into the overall Universal Orlando complex.

Additionally, Mr. Wittenberg was Chief Executive Officer for BB King’s Blues Club where he led the development of their new club at the Universal Studios CityWalk Hollywood retail-diningentertainment center.

He also served as the Senior Vice President of Food, Merchandise and Club Service during the planning, design, and operation of the remodeled Madison Square Garden complex in New York City where he led the project from initial concept through operational implementation and subsequent ongoing execution.

SERVICES

Pre-Design and Advisory Phase

• Assist in defining the project vision, business strategy, and positioning within the marketplace.

• Assist in contracting consultants and professional service providers to perform demographic analysis, market assessments, and feasibility studies.

• Assist in the development of the business plan supporting the project.

• Review and analysis of the site with the developer and design team.

• Perform competitive properties site visits, assessments, and operational audits as required to help define elements for inclusion into the project.

• Define and articulate the levels of products and services in accordance with project vision.

• Summarize cultural learnings for input into the design process for all guest services, food and beverage, retail, and attractions.

• Perform as the business operator coordinating with the design and planning team in determining the project scope, facilities, and entertainment elements.

• Recommend the operating plan: self-operated, third party, hybrid.

• Assist in the planning, integration, and implementation requirements for information systems including access, security, guest technology, retail, administration, finance, and point-of-sale.

Design Phases

• Define operating design standards and guidelines to ensure the eventual efficient operation of the property.

• Further detail the design-to parameters including annual attendance, peak day and design day attendance, and peak hour capacity requirements for all entertainment, food and beverage, retail, and guest services requirements.

• Advise/assist in the planning and refinement of the concept master plan.

• Co-develop, with the design and planning team, the program requirements for all project components to ensure optimized operations parallel with the project vision.

• Perform design optimization through effective review and input in all phases of the design to ensure all business and operating considerations are effectively planned for efficient operation –from concept design through contract documents and field adherence to design.

o Operations and Maintenance

▪ Attractions, show, rides

▪ Site layout, facility placement and service requirements

▪ Guests, staff, and vendor circulation, flow, and parking requirements

▪ Operations/support requirements

▪ Park-wide systems requirements

▪ Area development requirements

▪ Guest Services, ticketing, admissions, and queue requirements

▪ Maintenance, employee services, and administrative areas including office planning.

▪ Facility and operating profiles

▪ Trash and recycling planning

▪ Restroom planning

o Food service, merchandise, games, arcades, street business/carts, back of houseoverall and facility specific

Pre-Opening Operational Planning Services

• Advise and Assist

o Development of the operations plan, including operating calendar and operating budgets.

o Development of marketing, sponsorship, group sales, and tour and travel sales plan consistent with the business plan.

o Development of ticketing types and programs.

o Negotiation of contracts with the various in-park vendors as needed.

o Development of staffing plans, job descriptions, organizational structure,

o Standard operating procedures and training programs for project operations.

• Quality control program development and implementation plan.

• Operational analytics development – supply:demand evaluations, throughput, process improvement, per cap growth.

• Menu engineering, pricing strategies, monitoring, test/adjust, and profit maximization.

• Merchandise planning, development, and execution.

• Operational information technology systems needs assessment and recommendations including point-of-sale, back office, digital menu boards, customer relations management, catering, time management, website and social media platforms, inventory, and cash control, etc

• Furniture, fixtures, and equipment and working capital requirements

Operations Management

• Review and Assess

o Historical operating performance focusing on key metrics.

o Site and asset condition including site maintenance.

o Entertainment elements, in-park spending strategies, and guest satisfaction.

o Operations and maintenance programs for efficiency opportunities.

o In-park spending operations.

• Recommend, Advise, Implement, Manage

o Quality and operation standards of performance.

o Detailed financial analysis to support sensitivity modeling of efficiencies and opportunities identified.

o Operations, marketing, maintenance and human resources policies and procedures.

o Food and beverage menus and prices, and retail product mix and strategies for increased in-park spending and profit enhancement.

o Ticketing pricing purchasing packages and programs.

o Annual operating budgets.

o Training programs to enhance upgraded guest services and products.

o Ongoing operations support.

• Full Operating and Management Services

BUSINESS OPERATIONS PLANNING & DESIGN

OE Experiences

Pre-design operations planning for themed concepts – specialty ice cream, immersive bar, and dinner/show experience.

Margaritaville Caribbean Group

- Master food & beverage planning and program for a new exclusive island cruise ship port development in the Bahamas

- Food concept planning and development including kitchen design, menu, and recipes for a new full-service brand based on an international Jamaican music icon.

Paramount Parks & Resorts

Programming, concept development, and schematic planning and design for food service, retail, operations, and guest services for new theme parks in Yunnan Province, China, and in Bali, Indonesia.

Medici XD

New specialty ice cream concept development integrated in a highly themed and character driven experience environment. Onsite product production, creatively themed offerings.

Scenario/Sony

Business review of market and financial feasibility for new concept in Chicago metro area Coordination with design and architecture firms with program and operations planning considerations.

The Neverlands

Comprehensive planning and development of operations for a highly creative, mixed-use attraction with multi-daypart environments that includes cultural and historic spaces and artifacts, live performers, high-end bars, food concepts, sophisticated dining packages, and unique catering and party opportunities. Downtown Los Angeles location.

Lost Island

Integrated operating concept, master plan, and schematic design optimization for new domestic theme park in Iowa.

Silkroading, Beijing Ltd.

- City re-development feasibility, business, and master plans integrating new museum, theme park and hotel, and transportation hub with renovations to existing retail/dining/entertainment center, tourist temple, farm operations in Shandong Province.

- Operations concept planning, schematic design optimization, and operations planning and development for corporate/manufacturing tour in Shandong Province.

- Master plan programming and operations for new cultural landmark on the Silk Road.

- Business, tourism, and master plan concept integration of three historic cultural sites on the Silk Road in Dunhuang and Guazhou, China.

- Operational planning and design optimization for concept, master plan and schematic phases for mixed-use development containing indoor theme parks, chateau and castle, observation tower, French hamlet, and vineyards and gardens in Yantai, China.

King Bear Films, LLC

Market, financial feasibility, and operational planning for iconic new integrated entertainment, retail, F&B, and hotel complex for Asian markets.

Katmandu Group

Site review, assessment, and preliminary programming for addition of entertainment park to existing mall operation in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Patriot One Entertainment, LLC

US military base music festivals development as President and COO.

Warner Brothers International Recreation Enterprises

Owner representative on master planning, programming and design optimization for operations, food service, merchandise, and games for new theme park in Madrid, Spain

Parque Tematico de Occidente

Lead role as owner representative for all aspects of Mexican theme park development.

Universal Studios

- Key restaurant concept review, programming, and space planning recommendations for new Orlando park.

- Concept program development, revenue, and operating areas, for new European theme park.

- Owner representative in operations, food service, merchandise, games, tech services for new theme park concept in Singapore including programming, design input, and pro forma development.

- Concept development, master planning and operations design lead as Director, Food Service Development, for Islands of Adventure theme park including twenty-eight food concepts, operations, and support planning.

Madison Square Garden & Paramount Theater

Master planning, design and operation of food service, merchandise, and clubs as Senior VP. Includes sports bar, luxury suites, premium seat service, high-end restaurant, catering, fast food, hawking, and retail store and product development.

Radio City Music Hall

Renovation master plan review and development for food and merchandise for historic NYC venue.

Carowinds / Cedar Fair

Initial concept planning for major food location at theme park in North Carolina.

Gold Rush City / Califia Development Group

Operations, food service, merchandise, games and maintenance lead for master plan, concept, and program development for prospective Northern California park as part of a regional city development.

Delaney-Harmon Group

Operational planning and programming for Korean theme park.

Damron Design

- Food, merchandise, operations program for Fantasyland Healthpark in Beijing, China.

- Operations core team lead in project approach development for Monkey Kingdom Resort in Changsha, China.

- Concept plan review, input, and financial forecasting for major mixed-use development in Dubai.

- Event sponsors and suites concept programming and pro-forma development for Bearfire Mountain Resort.

- Feasibility plan input and review, operating schedule, special events and attractions planning and programming, ticket model development, sponsorship, and cabanas/suites programming for new mixed-use participative sports development in Northeast US.

- Concept plan review and input, and financial forecasting for new children’s play concept.

- Food service concept development and programming for Cape Cod merchandise outlet institution

Oz Entertainment Corporation

Owner representative for programming and operations for food service, merchandise, games, operations, and maintenance areas for a new regional theme park in Kansas

Chimera Group

Operations, retail, and food service review for new theme park in Dubai.

Hettema Group

Retail and food service review and programming recommendations for retail-diningentertainment center segment of major themed development in Dubai

Universal Creative

Concept input on food services for CityWalk, Orlando.

Landmark Entertainment Group

Food service concept development, schematic, and design development for German entertainment center

Cuningham Group

- Operational planning and materials handling for retail, dining, and entertainment center in Spain.

- Food service concept designs for mixed-use concept in Austria.

House of Blues Entertainment, Inc.

Front-end planning, programming, and peer review of all operational aspects for new blues club and restaurant.

USC Events Center / University of Southern California

Food service planning including concept development, master planning and programming.

Oregon Arena Project (Rose Garden) – Portland, OR

Fast food design peer review, staffing planning, and pre-opening expense budgeting.

Kiel Center – St. Louis, MO

Peer review of food and merchandise designs Club operations recommendations Beverage sponsor requirements Self-operation versus management company analysis.

OPERATIONS - MANAGEMENT, IMPROVEMENTS, DUE DILIGENCE

Premier Parks

Food & beverage operations assessments and recommendations for profit, facility and service improvement at theme and water parks in Houston, Phoenix, Honolulu, Denver, Toronto, Palm Springs, Hot Springs Arkansas, and Seattle.

Delaware North Companies Sportservice

Food service, retail, suites, and club operations leadership as COO for twenty-nine major league sports franchises covering MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLS and over twenty other operations including Minor League Baseball, Spring Training, Minor League Hockey, amphitheater, expo centers, flea markets. Annual revenues over $750 million.

Six Flags Theme Parks

- Operating leadership of thirty-five park food departments, master planning, facility design and profit driver programs as Corporate Director of Food Service for US, Mexico, Canada, and Europe.

- Operations and planning as Manager, Food Service, Magic Mountain, California.

AECOM / ERA

Profit benchmarking study as part of acquisition report for major theme park purchase.

Intra-Asia Entertainment Corporation

Operating review and master planning input for food, merchandise and games for Fuhua Theme Park in Weifang, China.

United States Space and Rocket Center

Food service operations review and revisions to circulation, queuing, menus, graphics, pricing, food delivery.

Universal Studios

Comparative Orlando market food service pricing study and analysis for Universal’s local theme parks with recommendations on strategic direction.

BB King’s Blues Clubs

- Planning, design, development, and operation of clubs in CityWalk, Hollywood as Chief Executive Officer

- Company expansion sites research and management of Memphis operation.

Madison Square Garden & Paramount Theater, NYC

Master planning, design and operation of food service, merchandise, and clubs as Senior Vice President Sports bar, luxury suites and premium seats, high-end restaurant, catering, fast food, hawking, retail store and product development.

Paramount Communications

Retail, food, games due diligence lead for purchase of Kings Entertainment Parks chain.

Capital Centre – Washington, DC

Renovation concept development for food service for ongoing operation.

Lincoln Park Zoo – Chicago, IL

Food service review and new facility charrette and plan.

Six Flags Over Texas Fund

Food, merchandise, and games lead – due diligence and transition planning.

CLIENTS

SAMPLE PROJECTS

Universal’s Islands of Adventure – Creative food service concepts including Mythos Restaurant, again voted World’s Best Theme Park Restaurant 2021 by Theme Park Insider https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/202201/8700/ Other creative concepts include Confisco Grille, and dining options in Marvel Superhero, Toon Lagoon, and Jurassic Park lands.

Madison Square Garden & Paramount Theater – Top-end themed restaurant concept development and operation including the timeless Club Bar & Grill and the Play-by-Play Sports Bar & Restaurant.

Six Flags Theme Parks – Company-wide P&L leadership, planning, and development.

BB King’s Blues Clubs – Planning, development and operation of new club, bar, and retail complex at CityWalk, Hollywood, as CEO of company Artist contracts, tenant requirements, operation of original club in Memphis.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/searchresults/filtered?attraction_experience=dining&attraction_location=ioa&attraction_interest=