The World of Hospitality Issue 15 2016 | Page 4

4 industry news the World Of Hospitality Industry News Johnny Rockets Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary With The Unveiling Of A Brand Refresh Better Burger Restaurant Chain has a New Logo, New Restaurant Design and Much More Joint Venture Between EL Group and InSite Group Acquires Legendary Sagamore Hotel in Miami Beach A joint venture between Fort Lauderdale-based InSite Group and New York-based EL Group has acquired the historic 93-room Sagamore Hotel, located in the heart of world-famous South Beach. Set on Collins Avenue and 16th Street just steps from Lincoln Road, the Sagamore Hotel (pictured left) is comprised of two buildings including 93 spacious guestrooms and suites, indoor/ outdoor function space, a swimming pool, pool bar and full-service restaurant. The property is an iconic asset in one of the country’s most desirable hospitality markets, which welcomed more than 11.6M visitors in 2015 (according to the Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau). “We are excited to become the new stewards of this outstanding asset, which is located in one of the most highly sought-after destinations in the country,” said Ben Shmul, CEO of InSite Group. “The Sagamore has great history and tradition, which we will continue to improve upon into the future, with both physical improvements and the addition of exciting new programs, services and amenities.” The Sagamore Hotel’s original historic building was designed in 1948 by famed Miami architect Albert Anis. The beach building, which features two-story suites, was added during a full property restoration and repositioning effort in 2001. “We believe in buying strategic assets and repositioning them for long-term holding period,” said Edeed Ben Josef, Chairman of EL Group. “We view The Sagamore Hotel as a uniquely iconic asset with clear and substantial value-add opportunities. We look forward to taking advantage of those opportunities with our partner, Insite Group.” InSite Group and EL Group are planning a renovation program, including an array of improvements designed to create a new vibe, present exciting food and beverage offerings, enhancing the guest experience. The hotel will maintain its positioning as an art-curated destination with intriguing creations throughout common areas and other new additions. Johnny Rockets global restaurant chain is celebrating its 30th anniversary year with the debut of a brand refresh that builds on the brand’s heritage and creates a modern evolution of the iconic images, style, food and experience that have been associated with Johnny Rockets for thirty years. The Johnny Rockets team selected and worked closely with the branding and design firm WD Partners to better understand the needs and wants of consumers and how best to position the brand for another thirty years and beyond. In addition, the brand needed to have flexibility in the design in order to remodel, build and open new restaur