In 2011, PCF Restaurant Management co-founders, Karim Webb, Edward Barnett and Houston Rockets’ Trevor Ariza were all smiles as they opened Buffalo Wild Wings on Crenshaw Blvd. On Saturday, August 26, the trio were once again all smiles, this time opening the newest Buffalo Wild Wings location in Koreatown with a fight night event with all the trimmings.
“It was a great turn out, we appreciate everybody from the community coming out to support,” said Barnett.
Prominent business, philanthropic, entertainment and elected officials were in attendance to support, eat wings and watch the Mayweather vs. McGregor fight. Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley Thomas and model and actress Nadine Velazquez joined over 200 community members, friends and family. The fight night event was hosted by Big Pee Wee, 102.3 KJLH and music was provided by DJ Ron C.
“Part of our mission is to be a good community partner providing job training and employment opportunities to the young people and we are excited to put to our new BWW in Koreatown,” said Barnett.
“We’re excited to be a part of the burgeoning Koreatown community,” said Webb.
Over the past 6 weeks, PCF has worked closely with Korean Churches for Community Development (KCCD), in partnership with Community Career Development, Inc. (CCD) to fill over 130 job opportunities. Through the API JOBS (Job Opportunities & Business Success) Initiative, PCF was able to do the majority of hiring locally. Currently, there are no other national brands owned by African American’s in Koreatown and PCF is excited to change that.
“Tonight was a special night, a lot of people came out and we had a good time,” said Ariza. “I think the things going on here are helping people.
Ariza continued, “It made me see that everything is attainable and there are a lot more things we can reach.
“There is a lot of potential here.”
“We are so pleased to have Buffalo Wild Wings open in Koreatown,” said Hyepin Im, president of Korean Churches for Community Development. “Thank you for your commitment to Koreatown.”
As minority business owners, Webb and Barnett are excited to be expanding their footprint into a new and ethnically diverse area.
The pair pride themselves on being responsive to unique needs of each community their units serve and their ability to engage stakeholders therein.
“It’s about service—serving our team members and our guests,” said Webb. “That’s where success in our business comes from.”
Event sponsors included Effen Vodka & Courvoisier. Proceeds from the evening’s event went to Korean Churches for Community Development and the Brotherhood Crusade. BWW Koreatown opened to the public on Monday, August 28.
The new Buffalo Wild Wings is located in Koreatown at 3150 Wilshire Blvd. Ste. 100 in Los Angeles, CA 90010.
All photos By Earl Gibson III
Brian W. Carter contributed to this article.
