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The projects below represent a sampling
of the scope of work that can be managed by representatives of The Dakota
Company. When you really need to shake things up or create something
out of this world, we’re your team.
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ELVIS
PRESLEY'S MEMPHIS
Memphis, TN
When Elvis
Presley Enterprises decided to open a 330-seat live-music
venue and restaurant based on Elvis’ Memphis roots,
they turned to The Dakota Company to help make it happen.
In addition to designing and developing the project, the
company maintained involvement with all day to day
operations. The restaurant has been named “Rock’s Best”
by Nightclub & Bar Magazine.
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HOT
ROD GRILLE
Las Vegas, NV
Hot Rod enthusiasts are the inspiration for this
“comfort food” themed haven. Hot Rod Grille was designed
for destination dining and was built in America’s two
biggest vacation locales: Las Vegas and Orlando.
Michael Graves developed the concept and served as
project manager. The project expertly combines features
of an automotive museum, a retail store and a revved up
restaurant and lounge.
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STAR
TREK EXPERIENCE
Las Vegas, NV
Presenting such down to earth products, food, and
beverages in a simulated 24th century environment
requires vision and imagination. The Dakota Company
delivered with interior designs featuring a memorabilia
filled environment that transports visitors to a future
world. At Star Trek Experience simulators, games, and
retail areas delight Star Trek fans of all ages.
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HARD
ROCK CAFE
Shenzhen, China • Dallas, TX
Improving on one of the best concepts in themed
restaurants is no easy task; however, The Dakota Company
delivered with the Hard Rock Café in Shenzhen, China.
During the creation of the Hard Rock in China, The
Dakota Company served as operational designer. Graves
and his team are responsible for creating a smooth
running and popular American icon that jams within a
Gothic temple.
In Dallas, Graves helped breathe new life into one of
the original Hard Rock Café’s. As a consultant to the
original Hard Rock principles, Graves and The Dakota
Company handled new investor relations, upgrades, and
acquisition procedures.
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DAN MARINO’S
AMERICAN SPORTS BAR & GRILL
Coconut Grove, FL
Successful people surround themselves with successful
people, so when Miami Dolphins Quarterback Dan Marino
decided to enter the restaurant business, he turned to
Michael Graves.
The Dakota Company was responsible for
concept development, construction management, operational
design, and staffing for this 375 seat themed venue in
Coconut Grove, Florida. With thirty televisions, bleacher
bars, life-sized trading cards, and a “Playbook” menu, this
restaurant set the pace for sports star entrepreneurs across
America.
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BOB
MARLEY FOUNDATION
Universal Studios, FL
The Bob Marley family hired Michael Graves to
represent them in the development of “Bob Marley: A
Tribute to Freedom at Universal Studios Florida.” In
addition, The Dakota Company is working with the
family’s foundation to develop a themed resort for
Caribbean markets, as well as other opportunities for
the “First Family of Reggae.”
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LUCY'S
CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Chicago, IL
Graves served as the Concept Developer for this
proposed national chain of retail chocolate stores. His
concept took a popular television show, focused on one
of the most memorable episodes, and built a retail store
out of the concept.
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PLANET DODGE
Miami, FL
In Miami, Florida, the Autotainment Ventures’
team took a lackluster dealership and turned it into an
appealing experience for a diverse clientele. Appealing
to an international customer was a key aspect of this
project. In order to create a relaxing, yet high-energy
tropical environment for automotive retail, this project
called for heavy aesthetic design, expanded courtyard
showroom space, and operational efficiency. The Dakota
Company delivered, creating one of the most successful
Dodge dealerships in the nation.
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THE
AUTOGALLERY (Porsche Maserati Ferrari)
Calabasas, CA • Woodland Hills, CA
As founder and manager of Autotainment Ventures,
LLC, Michael Graves served as the conceptual and
operational designer of The Auto Gallery in Calabasas
and Woodland Hills. The Auto Gallery is an upscale
dealership catering to Ferrari, Maserati, and Porsche
buyers. Graves was Project Manager for general
construction and directed all image development,
interior design, interior installations, and branding.
To view more pictures, click here
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PLANET
FORD
Houston, TX
Updating this twenty-five year old dealership required
more than a remedy for physical neglect. In order to
overcome customer loyalty issues caused by frequent
owner turnover, this project called for innovation,
aestheticism, and excellence.
Autotainment Ventures’ implementation of its
Autotainment(tm) concept led to a tripling of per unit
profits, a quadrupling of monthly sales, and national
award recognition.
To view more pictures, click here
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PARK CITIES FORD LINCOLN MERCURY
Dallas, TX
Autotainment Ventures LLC was contracted to
conceptualize and operate a new and improved Park Cities
Ford. As founder and manager of Autotainment Ventures,
Michael Graves served as the conceptual and operational
designer of Park Cites Ford. This dealership expanded
the Autotainment concept by including new data obtained
from profiling other existing Autotainment dealerships.
Graves’ role in Park Cities Ford included serving as
Project Manager. In this role he: oversaw entitlement,
general construction, art direction, name/logo/service
mark development, furnishings, design installation and
overall incorporation of the brand image elements, and
systems and branding programs of the manufacturer, Ford.
Additionally, Graves was in charge of producing in house
audio/video elements to assist in the creation of a
seamless car-buying transaction process. These elements
lowered guest intimidation, and increased trust and
price value during the sales and service processes.
To view more pictures, click here
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HILLCREST
AUTOTAINMENT MALL
Huntsville, TX
The Hillcrest Autotainment Mall has become a
successful small-town Texas dealership due to The Dakota
Company’s innovative combination of entertainment,
marketing, and site-specific demographic concepts.
By recognizing the values of a small town community, The
Dakota Company designed the dealership to appeal to
small town pride. The Autotainment mall includes a
friendly Town Square, multiple opportunities for
interaction, and a retro vibe that transcends the
typical pressures associated with automotive purchases.
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ROSEVILLE
HYUNDAI
Sacramento, CA
As Founder and Manager of Autotainment Ventures LLC,
Michael Graves served as the conceptual and operational
designer of Roseville Hyundai.
Mr. Graves’ served as Project Manager overseeing general
construction, art direction, name development and the
incorporation of the brand image elements of Hyundai
Motor America.
To view more pictures, click here
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