– Zagat Review
Co-owned and Operated: Michael Vann rebranded a local Upper Westside New York Bar and created the world-renowned Shark Bar restaurant. His vision and expertise secured the Shark Bar as one of the premiere restaurants serving upscale soul food in America during the 1990s, with the brand expanding into Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles.
– Zagat Review
Co-owned and operated: Soul Café, formerlly located on 42nd Street, became the premiere supper club showcasing top entertainment from 1996-1999, including Erykah Badu, The Gap Band, Isaac Hayes, Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dog & Charlie Wilson, Lisa Fischer, Roy Hargrove & Vinx to name a few. Soul Café was also featured in the blockbuster hit “The Best Man”, starring Taye Diggs and Morris Chestnut.
– Zagat Review
Co-owner: The sister restaurant to Shark Bar with its mature crowd, Mekka was created to capture a more casual downtown hip crowd that dwelled in the emerging lower east side in the mid 1990’s. It was frequented by young celebrities of its day, and was well known for its cool backyard dining area.
– The Day Newspaper (CT)
Lead Consultant: UrbanAcres’ founder, Michael Vann was very instrumental in helping founder Carl Redding transform Amy Ruth’s restaurant into a nationally recognized brand and one of the best restaurants in its niche category. In 2004, he successfully spearheaded and negotiated a license agreement between Amy Ruth’s and Foxwoods Resort Casino.
– Zagat Review
Lead Development Consultant: Sought out by hip-hop mogul Sean “Puffy” Combs, UrbanAcres’ founder successfully designed and implemented a strategy for Justin’s in New York City, secured its location, spearheaded the design team and hired the key managerial team.
– Atlantic City Weekly
Lead Consultant: Chef and proprietor Carl S. Redding officially opened Redding’s Restaurant in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 2010. This “2 million” dollar establishment was no competition for the Harlem native, as he formally owned and operated Amy Ruth’s Restaurant on West 116 street in Harlem, New York. Redding’s Restaurant has been widely regarded as the best casual dining experience in Atlantic City.
Lead Consultant: Mr. Vann was hired as a consultant by the Abyssinian Development Corporation to conduct a feasibility study for the IHOP restaurant on 135th& Adam Clayton Powell. He was responsible for completing an operational assessment that identified key problems, which lead to a successful turnaround of the operation.