SEATTLE, May 28, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Baristas Coffee Company, Inc. (OTCPK:BCCI), Via GlobeNewswire NASDAQ OMX worldwide news service announced that it has acquired Pavilion 117, a Sports Bar in Knoxville, TN currently operated by BMOC. The Joint Venture is owned 51% by Baristas Coffee Company, Inc. and 49% by BMOC and was formed specifically to acquire and manage the assets of Pavilion 117 www.pavilion117.com in order to transform it into a full service Baristas branded sports bar. This is the first property that will open under the Multi State development deal signed with BMOC last week that spans eight states.
Pavilion 117 will remain open during the majority of the remodel and the new opening as Baristas is expected to occur in July once the transformation is complete including a new menu and other surprises. Servers will wear signature Baristas costumes such as Police Woman, Nurse, School Girl, Cheerleader, and sports inspired themes. The Baristas Sports bar will serve as a prototype testing new Baristas products and concepts that will be incorporated into existing and developing Baristas models. The location which has operated as Quaker Steak and Lube for 10 years has established itself as the place to do Bike Night in Knoxville. Bike nights every Thursday are the busiest night of the week. The location typically gets over 500 bikes every Thursday. The two complete bars, one in the center of the building and one on the biggest and nicest patios in Knoxville provide ample service maximizing revenue. The entire parking lot is licensed to sell alcohol. In addition, there is an outdoor stage making the venue ideal for live entertainment. The 8200 square foot restaurant has two floors of dining with seating for 250 inside and hundreds outside. The second floor dining is in an open mezzanine that circles the main dining room with views down into the bar.
Baristas brand will be prevalent as will our roots in specialty coffee and high end ice cream.
CEO Barry Henthorn stated, "The opening of Baristas new Sports Bar marks an expansion of the baristas brand and drive through coffee concept. The property has a strong local following and based on its past performance should boost sales such that Baristas revenues are expected to double in the third quarter just from this one acquisition. Having a partner that has been successfully managing this property for over a decade and is familiar with the market dramatically increases our likelihood for success."
Lance L. Lehr commented, "The Baristas brand and concept is perfect for this property. The established bike night on Thursdays, solid week day and weekend traffic, and great visibility from I-75 make this a perfect place to launch this expanded Baristas concept. The exit has more than ten hotels and is right on the Snowbird route. The patio and parking lot are truly unique and allow concerts and large gatherings such as car shows, and community events. The new baristas Sports bar will aid in our expansion of the baristas franchises and help in establishing a strong local presence. Baristas is truly the most explosive and exciting opportunity in the hospitality space in existence today and has very strong management intent on creating a worldwide brand."
About Baristas Coffee Company (BCCI): Headquartered in the Seattle, Washington area, Baristas Coffee Company, Inc. was formed to create a national brand of drive-thru espresso stands. BCCI is accomplishing this by acquiring established businesses that fit its model, opening new locations, and by franchising. Baristas has separated itself from the competition with its "theme" of joining attractive female baristas in entertaining costumes preparing the finest beverages available on the market. Baristas can currently be found in six greater Seattle area locations as well as in Florida, and Montana. Your state, Coming Soon!
For more information on this fascinating concept please visit us at www.baristas.tv
For Investor Relations Contact: Barry Henthorn (206)579-0222
