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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 maintains involvement with all day to day operations.
The restaurant has been named “Rock’s Best” by
Nightclub & Bar magazine.
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PLANET
FORD
Houston, TX
Planet Ford Autotainment Mall Updating a 25-year old dealership
requires more than simply dealing with physical neglect. Overcoming
customer loyalty issues caused by frequent owner turnover presented
a major challenge to this Houston dealership.
The Dakota Company's implementation of its Autotainment(tm)
concept has led to a tripling of per unit profits, a quadrupling
of monthly sales, and national award recognition.
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HOT
ROD GRILLE
Las Vegas, NV
Hot rod enthusiasts were the inspiration for this
themed “comfort food” haven, designed as destination
dining to be built in America’s two biggest vacation
locales – Las Vegas and Orlando.
Michael Graves developed the concept and served as project
manager. The projects will combine all the best features
of an automotive museum, a retail store and revved up restaurant
and lounge.
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STAR
TREK EXPERIENCE
Las Vegas, NV
Presenting such down to earth products and food and beverages
in a 24th century environment requires vision and imagination. The
Dakota Company delivered with interior designs that feature
a memorabilia filled environment that transports visitors
to a future world, where simulators, game and retail areas
delight Star Trek fans of all ages.
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THE
AUTOGALLERY (Porsche Audi)
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, an upscale dealership catering
to Ferrari and Maserati buyers. Graves was Project
Manager for general construction and directed all image
development, interior design, interior installations, and
branding.
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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, but The Dakota Company proved you can teach
an old hound dog new stage tricks.
In China, the company served as operational designer, 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,
and as consultant to the principles, handled new investor
relations, upgrades, and acquisition procedures.
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PLANET DODGE
Miami, FL
The Dakota Company 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,
which relied heavily on aesthetic design, expanded courtyard
showroom space, and operational efficiency to create a
relaxing, yet high energy tropical environment for automotive
retail.
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DAN MARINO’S
AMERICAN SPORTS BAR & GRILL
Coconut Grove, FL
Successful people surround
themselves with successful people, and 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
30 televisions, bleacher bars, life-sized trading cards,
and a “Playbook” menu, this restaurant set
the pace for sports star entrepreneurs.
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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
Take a popular television show, pick one of the
most memorable episodes, and build a retail store out of
the concept. So goes the thought process of Michael
Graves, who served as the Concept Developer for this proposed
national chain of retail chocolate stores
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