Concorde Entertainment Group and
Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality Announce Strategic Partnership
Alliance catapults the two brands to one of the largest independent hospitality groups
in North America.
Concorde Entertainment Group and Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality (O&B) officially announced their strategic partnership today, creating one of the largest independently held hospitality groups in North America. With collectively more than 3,000 employees and 60 operating restaurants 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. The move unites two companies who are renowned for their leadership in providing the resources and structure required to bring inspired, bespoke hospitality concepts to the Canadian market.
O&B is recognized as one of Canada’s premiere independent restaurant and event groups, founded in 1993 by Peter Oliver and Michael Bonacini. With locations in Toronto, Montreal, Saskatoon, and Calgary, the company’s diverse portfolio of unique concept restaurants includes Canoe, Leña, Bar George and The Guild, as well as several strategic partnerships with brands such as IQ Food Co. and Pizzeria Libretto.
“As Canada’s restaurant landscape grows, this strategic partnership with Concorde Entertainment Group allows us to continue developing unique restaurant concepts, while achieving operational efficiencies usually only attainable by large-scale chain operators,” said Andrew Oliver, President and CEO, Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality. “Our shared infrastructure will help support the development of creative culinary talent and contribute to Canada’s ever-evolving restaurant culture.”
Based in Calgary, Concorde Entertainment Group is one of Western Canada’s leading hospitality companies with 19 establishments under its current banner. Founded by hospitality pioneer Victor Choy, Concorde’s impressive portfolio of successful restaurants includes award-winning concepts Model Milk, Pigeonhole, Bridgette Bar and National Beer Hall. Since its establishment in 1987, Concorde Group has focused on creating exciting destinations known for great food and drink, entertainment and design.
“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,” said 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.
