JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 14, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Latitude Global, Inc. has announced the appointment of Michael P. Norris to its Latitude Global, Inc. Board of Directors.
Mr. Norris is the chief operating officer and market president of Sodexo North America, the leading Quality of Life services company, with $8.8 billion in revenues and serving more than 15 million consumers daily. Shortly after joining Sodexo in 2005, he became lead adviser and negotiator for the development of SodexoMAGIC, LLC, a joint venture partnership with Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jr., and he serves on the SodexoMAGIC Board of Directors.
Throughout his career, Mr. Norris has served in various executive senior management roles, having had responsibility for marketing, brand positioning, theatre operations, real estate, concessions, design and construction, strategic planning, training and film acquisitions. Prior to Sodexo, Mr. Norris was President of Loews Cineplex Entertainment U.S. with annual revenues in excess of $1 billion. He joined Loews as senior vice president for operations and concessions and, during his tenure, Loews' concession sales significantly increased. Mr. Norris oversaw the repositioning of the brand to become the leading theater chain in top markets across the globe.
Mr. Norris also gained experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, both domestically and internationally, as president and chief operating officer of WYWY PAC-AM Food Concepts PTE Ltd., the master franchise for Brinker International in Asia, where he managed more than $100 million in capital investments. Prior to this, Mr. Norris was with General Mills Restaurants, Inc., rising to become director of operations for the operating unit that included the Red Lobster and Olive Garden restaurants throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Mr. Norris looks forward to joining the board at Latitude Global, Inc. "I am very pleased to join this organization that is young, creative and up and coming in the restaurant and entertainment world. The company's concept has proven successful and has enormous growth potential, and I look forward to working closely with management on executing its rollout nationwide."
Brent Brown, CEO/Founder of Latitude Global, Inc., enthusiastically commented, "Having Michael Norris on our board and seeing us through key decisions will be valuable to our company. As we continue to embark upon our very aggressive growth strategy, Michael's insight and expertise gained from impressive experiences in the restaurant, hospitality and entertainment industries will prove invaluable."
Mr. Norris holds an M.B.A from the University of East London, London, England.
ABOUT LATITUDE GLOBAL, INC.
Latitude Global (LAT) is a privately-held, full-service restaurant/entertainment company founded in 2009 to plan, develop, construct and operate state-of-the-art, 35,000-to-85,000-square-foot premier restaurant/entertainment venues. LAT currently operates three award-winning locations in Jacksonville, FL (Latitude 30), Pittsburgh, PA (Latitude 40) and Indianapolis, IN (Latitude 39) and is scheduled to open their 4th location in Q1 2014 in Chicago, IL (Latitude 42) and proudly employs 600 talented individuals.
Latitude Global offers the unique "360 experience" by fusing the magic of an exceptional food and beverage experience with multiple entertainment options in upscale,contemporary-designed venues.
Entertainment options include:
- The 360 Grille & Bar – A casual yet contemporary American restaurant.
- The Lanes – Luxury bowling lanes with full food & beverage service, leather couches and cutting-edge audio/visual systems on every lane, creating a lounge-like atmosphere.
- The Cinegrille – A dine-in movie theater with home theater-style seating.
- Game Room – The latest offering in hi-tech electronic video, redemption games and prizes.
- Latitude LIVE – A dine-in, live performance theater with a full-size stage, full theatrical sound and lighting systems and seating for 170-300+ guests with full food & beverage service.
- HD Sports Theater – A sports theater with multiple HD screens, designed after sports books found in Vegas.
- The AXIS Bar & Stage – A unique bar with a dance floor and stage for the hottest DJs and regional bands every weekend.
LAT broadcasts the most exciting sports, entertainment and news programming on high-definition displays throughout the complex. LAT brings all of this conveniently located in one "electrified" facility that appeals to a broad base of consumers and corporate clients. www.Latitude360.com.