LAWRENCE WITTENBERG
661-877-7619
c lawrence.wittenberg@gmail.com
Dynamic executive leader in business management, operations planning, design, development, and food & merchandising services Distinguished track record in planning and executing profit growth, operating facilities design, quality guest service and operations, operating software systems, concept and menu development. Participative management style, goal oriented, hands-on, quality & profit driven.
LW BUSINESS OPERATIONS INC, Valencia, CA
Sep 2015-Present President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Key owner and designer/architect representative in business development, operations, design and management of entertainment destinations, theme parks, mixed-use developments, sports stadiums, and arena projects covering overall operations, food service, retail, and guest services
• OE Experiences: Pre-design operations planning for themed concepts – specialty ice cream, immersive bar, and dinner/show experience.
• Margaritaville Caribbean Group: Analysis, programming, and capacity planning for food services for new private island port for Carnival Cruises New music icon restaurant concept; culinary and kitchen planning for initial Montego Bay Airport location and future brand expansion.
• Paramount Parks & Resorts: Guest services, operations, food service, and retail programming, planning, concept development and schematic design for hotel and theme park in Kunming, China, and Bali, Indonesia.
• Comprehensive business, operations, and design planning for three mixed-use destinations for Silkroading Beijing Co in China.
• King Bear Films: Operations, market feasibility, and economic analysis for new concept in Korea.
• Lost Island, LLC: Operations planning, programming, and design optimization for theme park in Iowa.
• Wyatt Design: Food service, retail programming, design optimization for theme park in Saudi Arabia.
• Bruce Robinson Design: Operations concept planning for mixed-use development in Saudi Arabia.
• Katmandu Group: Programming and design for entertainment destination in Dominican Republic.
• Premier Attractions: Food service assessments and recommendations for profit, facility, and service improvements at parks in Houston, Phoenix. Honolulu, Denver, Hot Springs, Seattle, and Toronto.
PATRIOT 1 ENTERTAINMENT, LLC, Los Angeles, CA
President and Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Jan 2014-Sep 2015
Cross-discipline business development for live music festivals and event production company featuring top tier talentl that honor and give thanks to our military troops and their families.
SPORTSERVICE, Buffalo, NY
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Jan 2011-Jul 2013
• Strategic leadership of a $750 million food service, retail, and hospitality company with prime stadium, arena, and entertainment venues and professional sports accounts.
• Delivered record revenues, profits, and per capita growth quarterly
• Oriented operations towards concept and menu planning & analytics, quality product delivery, lighting and display upgrading, process improvements, staff development, and systems adaptations.
LW BUSINESS OPERATIONS INC, Valencia, CA
President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Sep 2008-Dec 2011
• Master planning, programming, and design operating input for theme park, Inchon, Korea
• Owner’s representative for all project elements for Mexico theme park.
• Concept plan, design input, and financial forecasting for major mixed-use developments in Dubai, two major eastern US concepts, and two theme parks in China.
• Operations, retail, and food service review for proposed theme park in Dubai.
• Food service development and design for German entertainment center
SIX FLAGS THEME PARKS, New York, NY
Corporate Director, Food Service
Successfully directed food service business planning, operations, and profit maximization
• Achieved record annual profit per guest each year of tenure.
2001-Aug 2008
• Motivated staff of two Regional Directors, Purchasing Manager, and park level management of 50.
• Spearheaded development and implementations: national food distribution and buy programs, supply & demand capacity studies, capital planning and design processes, menu development, pricing and selection strategies, menu board systems, supervision staff expansion.
• Strategic food service sponsorship implementations with Coca Cola, Nestle Waters, ConAgra Foods, Papa John’s, Johnny Rockets, and Tyson Foods.
LAWRENCE WITTENBERG, Valencia, CA
Consultant – Food Service, Retail, Operations
1997-2001
• Warner Bros Movie World, Madrid, Spain Operations lead in all phases of design planning.
• Universal Creative: New concept Singapore. Operations lead in all phases of design.
• Universal Studios Orlando: Strategic pricing study and recommendations.
• Six Flags Over Texas Fund: Due diligence and transition planning for prospective demerger.
• House of Blues: Front-end planning, programming, and design review of operational areas.
• Radio City Music Hall: Renovation planning in food and merchandise for historic NYC venue.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA, Orlando, FL
Director, Food Service Development, Islands of Adventure
1995-1997
• Operational leadership of Universal's Creative Group in planning and development of the food services for the multi-billion-dollar expansion Key interface with designers, architects, engineers.
• Creative planning and development of dynamic concepts, program, and designs for the theme park including full-service restaurants, bars, fast food, catering, carts, and support facilities.
• Accomplished leadership in financial planning, pre-opening plan, menu development, information systems, operating and training policies & procedures, and management/staff team development.
B.B. KING'S BLUES CLUB, INC., Memphis, TN
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
1993-1995
Fast-track design, construction, operations management, and development including night club, bars, restaurant, kitchens, retail store, sound systems, and support areas of new multi-unit facility at Universal CityWalk, Hollywood.
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, New York, NY
Senior Vice President (SVP), Food & Merchandise Services
1989-1993
• Distinguished leadership of $35 million food, merchandise, and club operations for world's busiest arena and theater complex.
• Innovative leadership in concept, master plan, programming, design documents and oversight for new and renovated food and merchandise facilities of $230 million fast-track renovation project. On time and on budget.
• Increased per capita spending 25%, profits 40% Achieved excellent quality recognition and press.
• Launched industry-first electronic in-seat ordering and negotiated new union contract.
• Performed due diligence for Paramount’s $400 million acquisition of national theme park chain.
SIX FLAGS CORPORATION, Arlington, TX
Corporate Director, Food & Beverage
EDUCATION
1985-1989
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Communication Studies, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)