Global restaurant and nightlife company Hakkasan has acquired a controlling stake in Enlightened Hospitality Group (EHGRP), a San Diego-based hospitality development company, as well as full acquisition of the Stingaree nightclub in San Diego, formerly owned by Enlightened.
Hakkasan is on a tear, making good on its promise to further expand within the U.S. market, as well as to develop into a multi-faceted global lifestyle brand. Its recent forays make it the majority stakeholder in all of EHGRP entities, including the Searsucker brand in San Diego, Del Mar (California), and Austin and Herringbone in San Diego and Los Angeles. The Herringbone brand, which will be owned and operated in a strategic partnership with the original development team of James Brennan and Executive Chef Brian Malarkey, is set for immediate expansion, with the January 2014 launch of the restaurant at Mondrian Los Angeles.
Hakkasan restaurants are known for their well-executed modern take on authentic Cantonese cuisine. The first establishment opened in 2001 in London, with a second opening in fall of 2010. Both sites are designated with a Michelin star. The 2012 opening of the Hakkasan New York restaurant marked the company’s first entry into the U.S, serving as the gateway for the brand’s expansion within the country. Additional Hakkasan restaurants are located in Miami, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Dubai, Doha, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Beverly Hills. A new spot is opening in Shanghai in early 2014.
Hakkasan Ltd’s first venture into the nightlife space, the 60,000-square-foot nightclub, Hakkasan Las Vegas at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, opened in April 2013. The company also recently announced its first luxury resort on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah, with construction scheduled to begin this year.
Based in San Diego, Enlightened Hospitality Group is focused on restaurant and nightlife development. Founded in 2010 by Brennan and Malarkey, the company’s portfolio includes Searsucker and Herringbone restaurants and A Culinary + Cocktail Conspiracy, a catering and event production company. It formerly owned Stingaree.
By Joann Whitcher
