Red Lobster Snaps Up Opportunity to Open in Inglewood

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Darden Restaurants Inc. was busy in Inglewood last week, opening the city’s first Red Lobster at the recently completed Village Century Shopping Center.


Orlando, Fla.-based Darden is major player in the casual dining sector, running several brands including Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Bahama Breeze and Smokey Bones Barbeque & Grill Restaurants.


The opening was also a homecoming for Darden Chief Executive Clarence Otis Jr., who grew up in Watts.


“It’s rewarding,” said Otis. “I’ve certainly seen the neighborhood and dynamic change over time and it’s great to see all the progress in all of South Central L.A. To be part of that revitalization effort is something that’s very exciting.”


The 6,972-square-foot restaurant will seat 234 people and employ 242 people. Otis said that the number of jobs is higher than a typical Red Lobster would bring, but his company’s market research indicated the new location could be particularly successful. Otis said his firm’s research suggested that Inglewood residents regularly drive to Torrance, Canoga Park and Lakewood Red Lobster locations for their jumbo shrimp, lobster pizza and snow crab legs.


Otis has Inglewood Mayor Roosevelt Dorn convinced.


“The Red Lobster will be the only one in the area,” said Dorn. “We’ll draw people from all around. I dare say it will become the No. 1 store in their chain very soon.”


Along with the grand opening, the $5.8 billion company is donating $7,500 to the Inglewood Leadership Council for college scholarships. Darden is also donating $2,500 to Boy Scout troop 636.


Red Lobster has 680 locations in the United States.


The chain served more than 145 million diners in fiscal 2006.



Barbie in the Pink

As Mattel Inc.’s efforts to revive its once struggling Barbie brand begin to pay dividends, the company has formed an alliance with Estee Lauder Cos. Inc.’s MAC Cosmetics.


The partnership will result in a line of Barbie Loves MAC makeup and an accompanying doll. It’s Barbie’s first partnership with an adult company and comes on the heels of a new Hilary Duff-designed Barbie line.


The doll is on the rebound. After 11 consecutive quarters of negative sales, Barbie has posted small gains in third and fourth quarters of 2006. Mattel credited the Barbie bounce-back as a big part of its strong performance last year.


The Barbie color palette at MAC will consist of candy pinks, buttercup yellows and country club greens. Prices will range from $11 to $45.


“Many women’s first experiences with fashion and beauty were playing with Barbie,” said Richard Dickson, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, media and entertainment at Mattel. “Barbie is about aspiration and inspiring girls to explore a world of possibilities, and now today’s woman can do that in beauty with the Barbie Loves MAC collection.”


The MAC-inspired Barbie doll, $35, will be sold only in MAC stores. The doll has two-toned, blunt-cut hair and comes with a MAC styling case.


“MAC and Barbie have always been at the forefront of style and beauty, and by combining our creative expertise, we have created a collection that is uniquely fresh with inspired colors that are bold, modern and glamorous,” said James Gager, senior vice president and creative director of MAC.


The line debuts March 1.



Bearing Up

Play Along, a division of Malibu-based Jakks Pacific Inc., rolled out a 25th anniversary edition of the Care Bears doll, a must-have item for the under-12 set in the early 1980s. Over the years, Play Along has sold 70 million of the pastel-colored bears.


The anniversary bear, available this fall for $19.99, will be accompanied by the first Care Bears cartoon episode, “The Land Without Feelings,” which was never released. The release is timed to intersect with the brand’s first theatrical film release, “Care Bears: Oopsy Does It!”


“We’re excited to celebrate this milestone with Care Bears and acknowledge their special place in the hearts of generation after generation,” said Tom Delaney, vice president of Play Along’s marketing.


A full year of retail and marketing promotions will accompany the rollout. American Greetings Corp., brand owner, and licensing agent the Joester Loria Group LLC are planning a Care Bears float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.


“Play Along has done a fantastic job creating an exciting new line that will delight Care Bears fans of all ages,” said Tamra Knepfer, senior vice president of American Greetings.



Staff reporter Emily Bryson York can be reached at (323) 549-5225, ext. 235, or at

[email protected]

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