Though our investment and operating focus is primarily in the foodservice and hospitality industries, we also seek compelling financial and strategic opportunities in other sectors. The following companies represent meaningful situations where First Picks and its management team have served a significant role as executive management, investor, director and/or advisor:
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First Picks is an area developer and franchisee for Panera Bread in Southern California and on the Central Coast of California. Founded in 1981, Panera is the leader in the bakery-café segment and the best performing major restaurant group on U.S. stock exchanges over the past ten years. With over 1,300 restaurants and over $2 billion system-wide sales in the United States and Canada, Panera offers consumers a wholesome and tantalizing array of freshly baked artisan breads, signature sandwiches, hearty soups and specialty bakery items. |
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First Picks is a joint-venture partner with Big Man on Campus and provides business development guidance and operations management for select BMOC ventures. Developed by 1925 Productions founders, USC Trojan alums and NFL stars Keyshawn Johnson and Brian Kelly, BMOC is an in-depth look into the lives of the nation's top high school football athletes. Discover a whole new reality as football seniors struggle with college recruitment decisions, player development, academic performance, day-to-day life and relationships on campus. Follow their quest for next level of competition and success. Some stars will rise and some will fall. BMOC will also feature a multi-city football camp in the United States and Canada for aspiring football stand-outs.
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First Picks sources, analyzes, structures and manages business and investment opportunities for National Football League star Keyshawn Johnson. Johnson’s latest venture is the television series Tackling Design on the A&E Network. Best known for being a Super Bowl champion and All Pro wide receiver, ESPN studio analyst Keyshawn Johnson now adds Interior Designer to his long list of titles. With Tackling Design, Keyshawn showcases yet another one of his hidden talents and marks his place in the world of design and home furnishing. Keyshawn Capital Development focuses on commercial real estate and development projects, including inner-city revitalization efforts. |
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First Picks and CHED Hospitality collaborate on a number a business initiatives in North America. Since 1979, CHED has developed, owned and operated a number of award-winning hospitality businesses in the United States and Canada. Restaurant and bar-lounge concepts balance tradition and innovation, and span the range from express service eateries to internationally acclaimed first-class dining establishments. Its current concepts include Le Piment Rouge, Mahjongg Bistro de Chine, Café dLUX, el Diablo Rojo and Ruby Foo's Lounge. CHED also provides a range of first-class food and beverage services to the Montreal Casino, the Desjardins Financial Group, and Ruby Foo's Hotel. |
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First Picks advises and manages Trojan's portfolio of foodservice and hospitality opportunities with a focus on multi-unit development. Current portfolio includes the management of franchise rights for Cold Stone Creamery stores in Texas. |
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First Picks has joint-ventured with Golden Key to expand into the North American market. Golden Key is the leading association of first class and luxury hotels in China, with a growing number of affiliated four and five star hotels in Europe, North America and Southeast Asia. With over 200 member hotels and resorts, Golden Key caters to business and leisure travelers seeking quality and comfort at world-class properties. Member hotels include first-class properties in almost all the major cities and resorts in China as well as famous luxury hotels internationally including the Loews Hotel Vogue in Montreal, Canada and the stately Beau Rivage Hotel in Geneva, Switzerland. The Golden Key Noble Club loyalty program allows customers to benefit from additional affiliations with airlines, auto rental agencies, corporate long-term lodging apartments, and major department stores in China. |
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In collaboration with New Media IV Venture Partners, First Picks members invest in, serve on the boards of and/or advise various start-up and venture-stage entities. We actively seek additional opportunities in the telecommunications, technology, media, healthcare and energy sectors. Current portfolio includes:
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