Grand Opening!
Proud owners!
Left to Right: Ken Lombard, President of Capri Urban Investors, LLC, Councilman Bernard Parks 8th District, BWW Franchisee, Edward Barnett, NBA Star and BWW Owner, Trevor Ariza, BWW Franchisee, Karim Webb.
The new hotspot!!
BWW employees posin’ for a pic!
The new restaurant is just one of many new endeavors transforming the South L.A. area.
By Brian W. Carter, Sentinel Staff Writer
On Thursday, Feb. 17, Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) celebrated its grand opening with lights, celebrities and public officials at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza (BHCP). NBA star of the New Orleans and owner of BWW, Trevor Ariza, along with franchisees, Karim Webb and Edward Barnett joined Councilman Bernard Parks and Capri Urban Investors, LLC president, Ken Lombard, in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
BBW is just part of a wave of new ventures moving through the Crenshaw District that will transform South L.A. into a thriving Mecca of advancement and entertainment. “It’s the completion of the first part of the renovation of the mall,” said Jason Lombard, BHCP Community Outreach Director for The Festival Companies. There’s not only job creation, there’s a strong local hiring component. We have 120 jobs, full-time jobs.”
Ken Lombard, responsible for many of the establishments in the Crenshaw District such as the BHCP, Starbucks, and the Magic Johnson Theaters, to name a few, shared his thoughts about the grand opening. “I’ve been involved in a number of openings over the years,” said Lombard. “This is one of the prouder moments for me. We were able to get behind two young entrepreneurs (Webb & Barnett) that are really making a commitment to the community.”
It just feels good when you know you can make a difference supporting a group that deserves the support. Ken Lombard hopes to continue the wave of change throughout the community that will lead to a reinvigorated community. “There’s a real opportunity now to take this quarter to the next level and begin to take it to the level quality that, I think, the community deserves.”
“I think it’s fantastic. This gives us several things,” said Parks. BWW and many of the new endeavors taking shape is all a part of Parks’ effort to change the 8th district into a beacon of opportunity in South L.A.
“One, it gives us an alternative to what we’ve been talking about for years in fast food restaurants. It’s a sit-down, family style restaurant in a community, shopping center that’s on its way up. We’re just pleased to know they hired 120 local young people, to provide them jobs and opportunities, which just continues to help our economy.
Ariza was all smiles as he cut the ribbon with colleagues and friends. He intends for BWW to serve a purpose for the community as a place where people can enjoy good food and entertainment. “I’m from around this way, grew up here and I’m just happy to be able to give back to a community that has given me so much,” said Ariza.
“This event is an opportunity to continue to drive attention to the rebirth of the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall,” said Webb. “We’re just excited to be bringing attention and shining a light on what’s happening here and we’re committed to delivering service that exceeds people’s expectations.”
Barnett echoed many of the thoughts and feelings of his business partners as well as his own personal feelings about the event. “One, we’re able to raise some money for a very worthy cause, and two, we’re able to faithfully highlight South L.A. in a positive light.”
Many A-list celebrities in sports and entertainment turned out to support that worthy cause, including the Trevor Ariza Foundation (TAF). TAF is a non-profit with a purpose to educate, help and advocate for those afflicted with asthma. Ariza has a form of asthma called Exercise Induced Asthma, caused from exposure to mildew. Along with the grand opening, Ariza wants to inform the community about this disease.
“Ever since I got into the NBA, I just knew I had to do something for kids, to educate them about if they have asthma. How they can still do what they want to and take care of themselves at the same time. What better way then being in one of the best leagues in the world, and being able to help,” said Ariza.
For more information about the Trevor Ariza Foundation, please visit their website at www.trevorarizafoundation.com. You can follow TAF on Twitter for the ultimate events, updates, as well as tips to fight asthma symptoms.
For more information CAPRI CAPITAL PARTNERS LLC and new developments, please visit their website www.capricapital.com or www.bhcp-redevelopment.com.
For information about BUFFALO WILD WINGS BAR & GRILL BALDWIN HILLS, please visit www.buffalowildwings.com, or follow Buffalo Wild Wings Baldwin Hills on Twitter.
