NEWS    REGISTER     ADVERTISE    SUBSCRIBE    ABOUT US    CONTACT US
NOW FOLLOW US ON

 
_____________________________________

 Publisher's Page
 It's About The Journey
By Ken Smikle
 There is a belief by some that entrepreneurs are born. Others claim that they are just the product of circumstances -- usually lucky ones. What is undeniable, however, is once one has made the decision to pursue the dream of business ownership, the path to success is neither predetermined or certain.
      
Since we introduced Black Business Chicago with a pilot issue this summer, I have been constantly reminded of this truth. Both fledgling and seasoned entrepreneurs have been openly sharing their war stories, advice and questions. While wishing us well, many questioned how even such a much-needed publication -- especially produced in print -- could survive. We believe simply that we will because we must.
MORE...
Coach's Playbook
The Seven Steps of High Performers
By Guy Summers
On the battlefield of organizations -- aka the Coaching Front -- we get to see high performers "do their thing" up close and personal. This is a tremendous privilege, honor, and learning opportunity. It's also a chance to pass on some themes observed from the best of the best. Here's Seven Steps that High Performers take often. I hope that each one adds value as you pursue your own special vision for life:
MORE...
 


























































 
 JGJ Management Co. acquires nine Pizza Hut locations in Chicago area

JGJ Management Co., in conjunction with Fifth Third Bank, has purchased nine Chicago area restaurants from Pizza Hut Inc. Nearly 60 new Pizza Hut jobs are being created and 250 maintained in the deal.

Pizza Hut's parent company is Yum! Brands Inc. JGJ Management has plans to build two more locations within the city next year according to a spokeswoman.

"Our goal is to ensure that community residents are provided the opportunity to maintain their current jobs and employ as many residents that each restaurant location will allow," said Louis James, chief operating officer of JGJ Management, in a release.

James first learned of the opportunity to purchase the Pizza Hut locations through the Rainbow Push Coalition, a social change organization founded by Rev. Jesse Jackson.

"Without Rainbow Push and the commitment to economic development we would not be here. As we look to grow and get 100 stores, we'll be right with Push and they'll be right with us," James said at a press conference Tuesday at one of the Pizza Hut locations on the Near Southwest Side. 

Jackson said the Pizza Hut jobs will help people struggling to make ends meet in the sluggish economy. "They can pay their loans off, they can buy cars, they can educate their children, they can bring about hope. We really see this as another breakthough," Jackson said.

"It will put a lot of people to work that probably previously didn't have a job," said Edward Riddle, general manager of the 88th and Stony Island Pizza Hut for the past 21 years, "for team members as well as managers and individuals who want to grow within the company."

A vice president for Fifth Third Bank noted that profits from the businesses will be going to Chicago and not back to Texas, where the company is headquartered.

"Despite the fact that you hear banks aren't lending, this is a deal we felt good about, it was just really a no-brainer," said Marino Orlandi at a press conference.

Currently Pizza Hut has 14 locations in the city, according to its website. Of the nine purchased locations, seven are in Chicago, one in Blue Island, and another in Crestwood.

"We look forward to growing the brand here," said John Hawn, Pizza Hut franchise business coach.
              - Elise D. Brown/Medill News Service


























































 

BLACK BUSINESS CHICAGO
A Target Market News Publication
228 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, Il 60604
312-408-1881
Copyright (c) 2011 All rights reserved