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THE DAKOTA COMPANY: COMPLETED PROJECTS


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.

 
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.
 
 
 
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.
 
 
 
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.
 
 
 
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.
 
 
 
 

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.

 
 
 
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.”
 
 
 
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.
 
 
 
RANCHO DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP
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PLANET DODGE HOUSTON – OWNER
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PRESTIGE FORD LINCOLN
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HILLCREST FORD LINCOLN MERCURY
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KUNI WESTSIDE INFINITI
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JOE COOPER FORD – YUKON
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JOE COOPER FORD – MIDWEST CITY
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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.
 
 
 
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
 
 
 
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.

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