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Nobu, the world-renowned Japanese restaurant recognized for pioneering a new-style Japanese cuisine, started as a business partnership in 1994 between Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and his partners, Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro, producer Meir Teper, and restaurateur Drew Nieporent. Originating in New York as the flagship restaurant, the Nobu brand is now an empire that spans five continents with over 40 restaurants and growing. Following the success of the restaurants, Nobu Hospitality opened the first Nobu Hotel in 2013 in Las Vegas and today has 13 hotels open with several more in development.
Flynn Group is the largest franchise operator in the United States, focusing on multi-brand restaurant and retail operations. Founded in 1999 by Greg Flynn, the company has expanded significantly from its beginnings as a single-market Applebee’s operator. It now manages a diverse portfolio that includes well-known brands such as Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Panera Bread, and Arby’s, with over 2,500 locations across the country. The company specializes in franchise management, acquiring and optimizing underperforming locations to enhance operational efficiency and drive sales growth. Flynn Groups acquisition strategy has led to substantial growth, including the recent addition of 45 Pizza Hut locations in 2025, bringing its total to over 1,000. With a people-first approach, Flynn Group emphasizes employee training and retention, ensuring consistent customer experiences across its various dining segments.
Koto Studio is a creative agency based in London, incorporated in 2014. The company specializes in bridging the gap between design education and professional practice, serving as a digital hub for brand education. They offer a collection of e-books and resources aimed at enhancing brand understanding and development. Koto Studio focuses on designing meaningful and scalable motion systems that enhance branding by guiding attention and building memory. The studio provides brand and digital work, collaborating with various companies, particularly in the gaming industry. They create comprehensive branding experiences that shape how audiences feel and engage with brands. Notable projects include a campaign for Microsoft celebrating its 50th anniversary, showcasing their ability to work with impactful clients across different sectors. Koto Studio is committed to innovation and social responsibility, reflecting awareness of broader social and environmental issues in their branding strategies.
Akron Auto Auction (AAA) provides wholesale used vehicle buyers and sellers a fast-paced auto auction marketplace focused on driving their business forward. Built on long lasting relationships, Akron Auto Auction prides itself on superior customer service and providing clients with a wide range of auto remarketing solutions for their every need. Each Tuesday, AAA hosts an auction of 1000 vehicles across 6 Lanes and on Simulcast, handling consignments from new and used car stores, banks, fleets, and government agencies. For more information, go to www.akronautoauction.com **********************************************************************************