Welcome to the epitome of luxury in the heart of Armenia’s capital city.

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Step into a world of refined elegance and impeccable service at Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the captivating charm of this prestigious hotel, showcasing its unrivaled features and why it should be your ultimate choice for an unforgettable stay in Yerevan.

1. Immerse Yourself in Timeless Sophistication: Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan seamlessly blends modern comfort with the rich cultural heritage of Armenia. From the moment you enter the stylish lobby adorned with tasteful décor, you’ll be immersed in an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance. Each corner of the hotel exudes a sense of grandeur, reflecting a perfect fusion of contemporary design and traditional Armenian elements.
2. Luxurious Accommodations Designed for Comfort: Indulge in the luxurious comfort of the hotel’s meticulously designed rooms and suites. From spacious guest rooms to elegant suites, every accommodation option is thoughtfully crafted to provide a haven of relaxation. Sink into plush bedding, marvel at panoramic city views, and enjoy modern amenities that cater to your every need. The attention to detail ensures a truly unforgettable stay.
3. Gastronomic Delights to Satisfy Every Palate: Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan takes culinary excellence to new heights. Discover a world of gastronomic delights with the hotel’s exceptional dining venues. Experience the rich flavors of Armenian cuisine at the signature restaurant, where traditional recipes are elevated with a modern twist. Savor international specialties at the all-day dining restaurant, or unwind with a refreshing cocktail at the stylish lounge bar. Each dining experience is a culinary journey worth savoring.
4. Unparalleled Facilities for Ultimate Relaxation: Relax and rejuvenate in style at Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan. Take a dip in the sparkling indoor pool, or indulge in a pampering spa treatment that combines ancient healing techniques with modern wellness practices. Stay active at the state-of-the-art fitness center, equipped with the latest equipment. The hotel’s exceptional facilities are designed to cater to your every need, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay.
5. Explore the Richness of Yerevan: Conveniently located in the heart of Yerevan, Armenia Marriott Hotel serves as your gateway to the city’s vibrant culture and historical landmarks. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Armenia as you explore nearby attractions such as the iconic Republic Square, the Cascade Complex with its stunning architecture, and the renowned Matenadaran Museum. The hotel’s prime location allows you to easily discover the charm of Yerevan at your own pace.

Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan offers a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and cultural immersion. With its impeccable service, elegant accommodations, exceptional dining experiences, and convenient location, it truly stands out as the epitome of luxury in Yerevan. Whether you are visiting for business or leisure, allow yourself to be embraced by the unparalleled charm of this remarkable hotel. Book your stay at Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan and embark on an unforgettable journey of luxury and discovery in the heart of Armenia.

Costa Rica With Kids Hey there! Ready to embark on an unforgettable family adventure? Look no further than Costa Rica with kids!We've got you covered with all the best activities and attractions that will make your trip truly magical. From exploring breathtaking waterfalls and national parks to thrilling outdoor adventures and relaxing hot springs, Costa Rica has it all.And don't forget about the educational and cultural experiences along the way. Get ready to create lasting memories and experience the freedom of exploration in beautiful Costa Rica!Key TakeawaysCosta Rica offers a wide range of nature escapes and national parks for families to connect with nature and create lasting memories.The country provides endless opportunities for adventure and outdoor activities, such as surfing, zip-lining, and wildlife tours.Hot springs in Costa Rica, like Tabacon and Baldi, offer a tranquil oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation, with various health benefits.Educational and cultural experiences, such as the Chocolate Tour and wildlife rescue centers, allow families to learn about Costa Rican culture and environmental issues in a fun and engaging way.Waterfall and Nature EscapesWhen it comes to exploring Costa Rica with kids, one of the most exciting subtopics is Waterfall and Nature Escapes. Costa Rica is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, and there are plenty of opportunities for families to immerse themselves in the wonders of waterfalls and nature.Two must-visit attractions in this category are the La Fortuna Waterfall and the Arenal Volcano Hike.The La Fortuna Waterfall is a true hidden gem. Located near the Arenal Volcano, this stunning waterfall cascades down a 75-meter cliff into a crystal-clear pool below. The hike to the waterfall is relatively easy and suitable for families with children of all ages. Once you reach the base, you can take a refreshing swim in the pool or simply relax and take in the magnificent surroundings. It's a truly magical experience that will leave your kids in awe.Another must-do activity is the Arenal Volcano Hike. This exciting adventure takes you through the lush rainforest, where you'll have the chance to spot exotic wildlife and learn about the area's geological history. As you make your way up the volcano, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It's a great opportunity for your kids to learn about volcanoes and the importance of preserving our natural resources.Both the La Fortuna Waterfall and the Arenal Volcano Hike offer unique experiences that combine adventure and natural beauty. They provide the perfect opportunity for families to connect with nature and create lasting memories. So, if you're planning a trip to Costa Rica with your kids, make sure to include these incredible attractions in your itinerary.National Parks and WildlifeExploring the National Parks and Wildlife in Costa Rica is an incredible experience for families. The country is known for its abundant biodiversity and commitment to conservation efforts. Here are some highlights of what you can expect when visiting the national parks and encountering wildlife in Costa Rica:Wildlife encounters: Costa Rica is home to a rich variety of animal species, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, and colorful frogs. As you explore the national parks, keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating creatures. You might even have the opportunity to spot sea turtles nesting on the beaches or witness the majestic humpback whales during their migration.Conservation efforts: Costa Rica takes great pride in its conservation initiatives. The national parks are carefully managed to protect the fragile ecosystems and ensure the long-term survival of the wildlife. By visiting these parks, you not only get to enjoy the beauty of nature but also contribute to the conservation efforts that help preserve these habitats for future generations.Educational experiences: Many of the national parks offer guided tours led by knowledgeable naturalists. These experts can provide valuable insights about the wildlife and the conservation efforts in place. They'll help you and your kids learn about the importance of protecting the environment and the role each of us can play in preserving it.Exploring the national parks and encountering wildlife in Costa Rica is an adventure that will leave lasting memories for your family. It's an opportunity to witness nature's wonders up close and personal while also supporting the conservation efforts that ensure the preservation of these incredible ecosystems. So pack your binoculars and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the wild!Adventure and Outdoor ActivitiesWe can enjoy a variety of adventure and outdoor activities in Costa Rica with our kids. Costa Rica is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, making it the perfect destination for outdoor sports and family-friendly adventures.One popular activity is surfing, and Tamarindo is the place to be for beginners. We can take surf lessons together as a family and ride the waves of the Pacific Ocean. It's an exhilarating experience that will create lasting memories.For a thrilling aerial adventure, we can visit the Arenal Ecoglide Park. Here, we can zip line through the rainforest canopy, getting a unique perspective of Costa Rica's natural beauty. The park offers various zip line courses suitable for all ages, ensuring that everyone can participate.If we want to explore the waterways of Costa Rica, we can take a Tamarindo Estuary Boat Tour. This guided tour will take us through mangroves and provide opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys and crocodiles. It's a fantastic way to connect with nature and learn about the local ecosystem.For animal encounters, we can visit the Club Rio Outdoor Center. Here, we can interact with friendly animals like sloths, toucans, and monkeys. We can also enjoy activities such as horseback riding and tubing down the river. It's a great place for the whole family to have fun and discover Costa Rica's wildlife.Costa Rica offers endless opportunities for adventure and outdoor activities. From surfing to zip-lining, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with excitement and exploration in the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica.Hot Springs and RelaxationWhen it comes to hot springs and relaxation in Costa Rica, two popular options are Tabacon Hot Springs and Baldi Hot Springs.Tabacon offers a more natural and serene setting, while Baldi is known for its larger pools and family-friendly atmosphere.Both options provide a range of activities for kids to enjoy, such as water slides and swim-up bars.Tabacon Vs. BaldiOne option for hot springs and relaxation in Costa Rica is Tabacon. Nestled at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano, Tabacon boasts natural thermal springs surrounded by lush rainforest. The warm waters cascade into picturesque pools, creating a tranquil oasis for the whole family to enjoy.Another option is Baldi, located in La Fortuna. Baldi features a series of pools with varying temperatures, providing a range of options for relaxation. The highlight of Baldi is its exciting water slides, perfect for kids and thrill-seekers alike.Both hot springs offer unique experiences for families seeking rejuvenation and fun. Whether you prefer the serene ambiance of Tabacon or the thrilling water slides at Baldi, both hot springs offer a memorable experience. So, take your pick and soak in the natural beauty of Costa Rica's hot springs!Hot Springs BenefitsOur family's favorite way to relax and unwind in Costa Rica is by enjoying the benefits of hot springs. Not only are they incredibly soothing and rejuvenating, but they also offer numerous health benefits. Hot springs are known to improve blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. They can also help with stress reduction and improve sleep quality.When it comes to the best hot springs in Costa Rica, two options stand out: Tabacon Hot Springs and Baldi Hot Springs. Tabacon is famous for its natural thermal mineral springs, surrounded by lush rainforest. It offers a variety of pools with different temperatures, waterfalls, and even a swim-up bar.On the other hand, Baldi Hot Springs features a whopping 25 thermal water pools, slides, and a kid-friendly area with shallow pools and water games. Both options provide an unforgettable experience for the whole family to enjoy.Ideal Relaxation ActivitiesFor our family, the hot springs in Costa Rica offer the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind, as well as enjoy quality time together. The benefits of relaxation are undeniable, and what better way to experience it than in the soothing waters of these natural hot springs?Here are some of the best relaxation spots in Costa Rica:Tabacon Hot Springs: Nestled at the base of the Arenal Volcano, Tabacon offers a luxurious and tranquil setting with a variety of pools and cascading waterfalls.Baldi Hot Springs: Located near La Fortuna, Baldi boasts a network of thermal pools of varying temperatures, providing a rejuvenating experience for the whole family.Ecotermales Hot Springs: This hidden gem in Arenal offers a more intimate and peaceful setting, perfect for those seeking a quieter relaxation experience.After indulging in the hot springs, it's time to explore the educational and cultural experiences that Costa Rica has to offer.Educational and Cultural ExperiencesWe thoroughly enjoyed the immersive cultural experience of the Chocolate Tour in Costa Rica. This educational tour allowed us to learn about the history and production of chocolate in the country. We got to see the entire process, from the cacao bean to the delicious chocolate bar. The tour guide was knowledgeable and engaging, making the experience fun for both kids and adults. We even had the opportunity to make our own chocolate treats, which was a highlight for the whole family.Another cultural immersion experience that we highly recommend is a visit to the Museo de los Niños, or Children's Museum. This interactive museum is designed specifically for kids, with exhibits that encourage learning through play. From science experiments to art workshops, there's something for everyone. We spent hours exploring the various exhibits, and the kids were fascinated by the hands-on activities. It was a great way to learn about Costa Rican culture while having fun.In addition to the educational tours, we also enjoyed the opportunity to observe and interact with wildlife at the Wildlife Rescue Center and Curi Cancha Reserve. These experiences allowed us to learn about the importance of conservation and the efforts being made to protect the country's diverse flora and fauna. The kids were thrilled to see sloths, monkeys, and colorful birds up close, and it sparked their interest in environmental issues.As we move on to explore the beaches and coastal attractions of Costa Rica, we look forward to the opportunity to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the country.Beaches and Coastal AttractionsExploring the beaches and coastal attractions in Costa Rica offers a chance to relax and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the country. Costa Rica is known for its stunning beaches and diverse marine life, making it a perfect destination for families seeking a beach getaway.Here are a few highlights of the best family-friendly beaches and the opportunity to explore marine life in Tortuguero National Park:Tamarindo Beach: With its golden sands and gentle waves, Tamarindo Beach is a popular choice for families. Kids can enjoy building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, or learning to surf. The beach is lined with restaurants and shops, offering a variety of dining options and souvenirs.Manuel Antonio Park: This nature reserve not only features beautiful beaches but also offers guided tours where families can spot monkeys, sloths, and a variety of colorful birds. Kids will be fascinated by the diverse wildlife and the opportunity to explore the tropical rainforest.Tortuguero National Park: This park is famous for its sea turtle nesting grounds, providing a unique opportunity for families to witness these incredible creatures up close. Take a guided tour to learn about the conservation efforts and the life cycle of sea turtles. Exploring the marine life in Tortuguero National Park is a truly unforgettable experience.Costa Rica's beaches and coastal attractions offer something for everyone in the family. Whether you prefer lounging on the beach, exploring the rich marine life, or embarking on guided nature tours, there's no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained.Frequently Asked QuestionsAre There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Ziplining Activity at Arenal Ecoglide Park?Yes, there are age restrictions and safety requirements for the ziplining activity at Arenal Ecoglide Park.To ensure the safety of all participants, there's a minimum age requirement of 8 years old. Additionally, participants must weigh between 45 and 264 pounds.The park provides all necessary safety equipment, including harnesses and helmets, and trained guides are there to assist and guide you throughout the experience.Can You Swim in the Natural Pools at Rio Celeste Waterfall?Yes, you can swim in the natural pools at Rio Celeste Waterfall. However, it's important to note that there may be swimming restrictions in place at certain times due to safety reasons or water quality concerns. It's always a good idea to check with park officials before swimming.The water at Rio Celeste is known for its beautiful blue color, which is caused by a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals and the river's water. It's a unique and memorable experience for the whole family!Are There Any Guided Tours Available for the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve?Yes, there are guided tours available for the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. These tours allow you to explore the stunning beauty of the cloud forest while being accompanied by knowledgeable guides who'll provide you with interesting information about the flora and fauna.It's a great way to learn and appreciate the unique ecosystem of the reserve. So if you're looking for an educational and memorable experience, a guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is definitely worth considering.How Long Does It Take to Hike to the Top of Arenal Volcano?Hiking to the top of Arenal Volcano can take around 3-4 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level. The difficulty level can vary, but it's generally considered moderate.It's best to start early in the morning to avoid the heat and have clear views of the stunning landscape.This hike offers an exciting adventure for the whole family, with opportunities to learn about the volcano's history and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.Are There Any Nearby Accommodations or Restaurants Near Cahuita National Park?Yes, there are nearby accommodations and restaurants near Cahuita National Park. There are several options for lodging, ranging from cozy bed and breakfasts to family-friendly hotels.You can also find a variety of restaurants serving delicious local cuisine, as well as international dishes. Whether you're looking for a relaxing place to stay or a tasty meal after exploring the park, you'll find plenty of options to suit your needs near Cahuita National Park.ConclusionIn conclusion, exploring Costa Rica with kids is an adventure that will create lasting memories for the whole family.Did you know that Costa Rica is home to over 5% of the world's biodiversity? This means that your children will have the opportunity to witness incredible wildlife up close and personal, fostering a love and appreciation for the natural world.So pack your bags, grab your little ones, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the vibrant landscapes and diverse ecosystems of Costa Rica!

QUINCY − One of the busiest stretches of Hancock Street in the city center sits back-to-back with a leafy neighborhood of single-family homes. The contrast is leading to conflict, as a celebrated Quincy restaurateur moves forwards with his plans to bring a three-floor Italian steakhouse to the old Masonic Temple, which was severely damaged by fire in 2014.
Jimmy Liang, founder of JP Fuji Group, went before the licensing board May 7 seeking an all-alcoholic beverages restaurant license for the 11,340-square-foot Masons Steakhouse at 1170 Hancock St. He said the restaurant will have capacity for 240 diners and will also host functions such as small wedding parties. The board voted unanimously to grant the license.
The old Masonic Temple is owned by FoxRock, and the restaurant will be part of the real estate developer's downtown Center and Stone project, which also includes 267 apartments across two six-story buildings, one of which will host a Citizens Bank on the ground floor.
Quincy restaurateur Jimmy Liang plans to open Masons Steak House in the former Masonic Temple on Hancock Street in Quincy Square. He says he has always admired the architecture of the building. Thursday, March 14, 2024. Neighbors worry about parking at the new Quincy steakhouse in the Masonic Temple
Multiple homeowners on Russell Park and Whitney Street complained that their Residential A neighborhood already suffers from too many people parking along the curbs and even in front of their driveways, blocking access and egress to and from their homes. Residential A districts are restricted to single-family homes.
Without a parking plan, many say Russell Park residents will suffer from its proximity to the new steakhouse.
"(Customers will) look to park as close as they can to the facility, and that means on Russell Park," said Robert Cerasoli, a former Massachusetts state representative for the district from 1975 to 1991 who lives on Russell Park. "We're going to be descended upon by these people."
City Clerk Nicole Crispo said that Liang is working with Ward 1 Councilor Dave McCarthy and Mayor Tom Koch's office to develop a parking plan.
The plans could involve Liang using municipal parking at the Quincy Center T station across the street where a temporary Citizens Bank trailer now stands, according to Crispo. The historical society could also share available parking space, Crispo said.
Police Chief Mark Kennedy said that in his 26 years as a Quincy officer, he never had a problem with any of Liang's restaurants (Liang currently owns four in Quincy alone). Kennedy noted that the license is contingent on a parking plan, and that the board could require Liang to come back for another hearing if any of the neighbors' fears materialize.
Nightlife in Quincy Center another worry of neighbors
Some also objected to Liang's plan to keep the restaurant open until 1 a.m. Liang said he hopes to bring some of the nightlife back to Quincy Center that has been lacking since the COVID outbreak in 2020.
"I think 1 a.m. is really late," said Randy Hoes, who lives on Russell Park. "I'm not interested in a lot of carousing around and boozing and what not. I would appreciate 11 p.m. at the latest."
"Where are all these people going to park?" Joann Cerasoli, also of Russell Park, asked. "How late are they going to stay?"
'We are not NIMBY people'
Robert Cerasoli said he doesn't oppose the restaurant but there needs to be a plan for parking.
"We are not NIMBY people," Cerasoli said. "We believe in progress of the downtown. ... undefined
Kevin Norton, of Whitney Street, said his property abuts the proposed restaurant and complained that it would make an already bad parking situation worse.
"It used to be nice and quiet, no cars in the street," Norton said. "Now, it's a nightmare."
Norton said incessant noise from construction of the Center and Stone development has been a nuisance. "My taxes go up every year," he said. "My quality of life goes down every year."
As of now, the restaurant has about 30 parking spaces behind the building for staff and customers of the 240-seat restaurant, Liang said.
Chamber of commerce defends Liang
President of Quincy's chamber of commerce, former state treasurer and 2010 gubernatorial candidate Tim Cahill, vouched for Liang, who has run restaurants in Quincy for 25 years.
"They're not outsiders," Cahill said of Liang's team. "They will be part of the community."
Cahill told neighbors that the 1 a.m. closing does not imply a nightclub atmosphere. "The prices are such that it's not going be a college crowd – young kids getting wildly drunk and having problems," he said.
Liang has said Masons Steak House will have some affordable options.
"I'm going to keep it medium," he said of the prices. "(A steak) could be $40 or as expensive as $200."

1. 1517 Safed attacks( in Israel)
2. 1517 Hebron attacks( in Israel)
3. 1720 Burning of the synagogue of Judah HeHasi
4. 1834 Looting of Safed( in Israel)
5. 1920 Nebi Musa riots
6. 1921 Jaffa riots
7. 1921 Jerusalem Stabbings
8. 1929 Palestine riots
9. Battle of Tel Hai
10. 1929 Hebron massacre( in Israel)
11. Fajja bus attacks
12. 1936 Jaffa riots
13. 1938 Tiberias massacre
14. 1948 Liberty Bell Park bus bombing
15. 1948 Ben Yehuda Street bombing
16. 1948 Beersheba attack
17. 1948 Bnei Brak shootings
18. 1952 Dizengoff Street bus bombing
19. 1968 El Al Flight 432 attack
20. 1970 Ma'ale Akrabim massacre
21. 1970 Swissair Flight 330
22. 1972 Avivim school bus bombing
23. 1972 Lod Airport massacre
24. 1972 Munich massacre
25. 1972 Munich bus attack
26. 1974 Kiryat Shmona massacre
27. 1974 Ma'alot massacre
28. 1975 Savoy Hotel attack
29. 1975, 1976, 1997, and 2001 Ben Yehuda Street Bombings
30. 1977 Mothers' Bus attack
31. 1978 Coastal Road massacre
32. 1978 Matzuva attack
33. 1979 Nahariya attack
34. 1980 Hebron ambush
35. 1980 Misgav Am hostage crisis
36. 1995 Beit Lid suicide bombing
37. 1996 Dizengoff Center suicide bombing
38. 1997 Island of Peace massacre
39. 2000 Ramallah lynching
40. 2000 Gaza street bus bombing
41. 2001 Netanya bombing
42. 2001 Sbarro restaurant suicide bombing
43. 2001 Azor attack
44. 2001 Dolphinarium discotheque massacre
45. 2002 Passover massacre
46. 2002 Hadera attack
47. 2002 Karnei Shomron Mall suicide bombing
48. 2002 Café Moment bombing
49. 2002 Jaffa Road bus bombings
50. 2003 Kiryat Menachem bus bombing
51. 2003 Maxim restaurant suicide bombing
52. 2004 Yeshivat Beit Yisrael bombing
53. 2004 Shmuel HaNavi bus bombing
54. 2004 Ashdod Port bombings
55. 2005 Stage Club bombing
56. 2005 Tel Aviv central bus station massacre
57. 2007 Wadi al-Haramiya sniper attack
58. 2008 Jerusalem bulldozer attack
59. 2008 Jerusalem yeshiva attack
60. 2011 Itamar attack
61. 2014 Jerusalem synagogue attack
62. 2016 June Tel Aviv shooting
63. 2016 Tel Aviv stabbings
64. 2017 Jerusalem truck attack
65. 2022 Beersheba attack
66. 2022 Bnei Brak shootings
67. 2023 Neve Yaakov shooting
68. 2023 Hamra junction shooting
    
69. 1517 Safed attacks( in Israel)
    
70. 1517 Hebron attacks( in Israel)
    
71. 1720 Burning of the synagogue of Judah HeHasi
    
72. 1834 Looting of Safed( in Israel)
    
73. 1920 Nebi Musa riots
    
74. 1921 Jaffa riots
    
75. 1921 Jerusalem Stabbings
    
76. 1929 Palestine riots
    
77. Battle of Tel Hai
    
78. 1929 Hebron massacre( in Israel)
    
79. Fajja bus attacks
    
80. 1936 Jaffa riots
    
81. 1938 Tiberias massacre
    
82. 1948 Liberty Bell Park bus bombing
    
83. 1948 Ben Yehuda Street bombing
    
84. 1948 Beersheba attack
    
85. 1948 Bnei Brak shootings
    

Fuvahmulah Scuba Club in Fuvahmulah, Maldives
Fuvahmulah Scuba Club: Dive into Unforgettable Adventures in the Maldives
Price Level:
Hotel Class: 0
If you're looking for a truly unforgettable diving adventure in the Maldives, look no further than Fuvahmulah Scuba Club. With a team of experienced founders who have managed hotels and dive centers throughout the country, you can trust that you'll receive top-notch diver training and a memorable experience. Located on the unique island of Fuvahmulah in the deep south of the Maldives, this club is renowned for its incredible marine life, including Tiger sharks, oceanic mantas, treasure sharks, and other rare underwater creatures. Over the past five years, Fuvahmulah Scuba Club has become one of the leading management teams in the country, hosting thousands of clients and training numerous divers and skilled instructors. Safety is always a top priority, and the club is dedicated to continuously improving the range and quality of services offered. Whether you're traveling solo or with a large group, Fuvahmulah Scuba Club can arrange everything for you, ensuring that your visit to the Maldives is not just a diving expedition, but a holiday to remember.
Amenities of Fuvahmulah Scuba Club in Fuvahmulah, Maldives
At Fuvahmulah Scuba Club in Fuvahmulah, Maldives, guests can enjoy a wide range of amenities to enhance their stay. The club offers free WiFi throughout the property, ensuring that guests can stay connected during their vacation. For families traveling with children, there are kids activities available to keep the little ones entertained. The on-site restaurant serves delicious meals, and room service is also available for those who prefer to dine in the comfort of their own room. The club also offers airport transportation, making it convenient for guests to reach their destination. Other amenities include air conditioning, free parking, a balounge, a spa, and laundry service. With its beachfront location and various amenities, Fuvahmulah Scuba Club provides a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Contact of Fuvahmulah Scuba Club in Fuvahmulah, Maldives
+960 797-0010
Bahaaree Hingun, 18015
hello@fuvahmulahscubaclub.com
http://fuvahmulahscubaclub.com/
Location of Fuvahmulah Scuba Club in Fuvahmulah, Maldives
Pictures of Fuvahmulah Scuba Club in Fuvahmulah, Maldives
Tips for Staying in Fuvahmulah Scuba Club
Tigers all year hammerheads November Oceanic manta/whalesharks January-March 😍 Accessibility Quiet Peaceful in general
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Family Hiyaa in Dharavandhoo, Maldives
Family Hiyaa: The Ultimate Family Getaway in Dharavandhoo, Maldives
Price Level:
Hotel Class: 0
Family Hiyaa, located in the picturesque island of Dharavandhoo in the Maldives, is a true gem for families seeking a memorable vacation. This charming hotel offers a perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and convenience, making it an ideal choice for travelers of all ages. With its spacious and well-appointed rooms, Family Hiyaa ensures a relaxing stay for families, allowing them to unwind and create lasting memories. The hotel's prime location provides easy access to the island's pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, offering endless opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and other water activities. Moreover, the friendly and attentive staff at Family Hiyaa go above and beyond to cater to the needs of families, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable experience. Whether you're looking to explore the natural wonders of the Maldives or simply relax by the pool, Family Hiyaa is the perfect choice for an unforgettable family getaway.
Amenities of Family Hiyaa in Dharavandhoo, Maldives
Family Hiyaa in Dharavandhoo, Maldives offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for guests. The resort provides spacious and well-appointed rooms, equipped with modern facilities and amenities. Guests can indulge in the resort's swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip or lounging under the sun. For those seeking relaxation, the spa and wellness center offers a variety of treatments and massages to rejuvenate the mind and body. Additionally, the resort features a restaurant serving delicious local and international cuisine, catering to all taste buds. With its excellent amenities, Family Hiyaa ensures a memorable and relaxing vacation experience for families visiting Dharavandhoo.
Contact of Family Hiyaa in Dharavandhoo, Maldives
+960 799-1987
6060
http://www.familyhiyaa.com/
Location of Family Hiyaa in Dharavandhoo, Maldives
Pictures of Family Hiyaa in Dharavandhoo, Maldives
Tips for Staying in Family Hiyaa
Keep the room clean and tidyOpen the windows for fresh airTurn off lights and electronics when not in useUse curtains or blinds to control sunlightKeep the temperature comfortableOrganize belongings and avoid clutterUse air fresheners or plants for a pleasant smellKeep noise levels downLock doors and windows for securityReport any maintenance issues promptly
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1975 - Michael had a private meeting with Berry Gordy to discuss the Jackson Five's future & after being denied creative freedom once again, the brothers started shopping for a new record deal. The Jackson Five had begun to ask to produce, write and record their own material in the previous year but all their requests for creative control had been denied.
1985 - Michael met Ronald & Nancy Reagan at White House for the launch of a campaign against driving under the influence of alcohol. In the spring of 1984, Michael's team received a call from the Secretary of Transportation, Elizabeth Dole, asking for Michael to give "BEAT IT" as background music for a television commercial and a 35 second radio spot on the dangers of driving a car under the influence of alcohol.
Even though the initiative was initially rejected by Michael, once he meditated a bit, he explained to his representative, John Branca

"You know what? If I can get some kind of prize from the White House then I will give them the song. How about?".
Intrigued, Branca asked: "Like what?"
Jackson listed: "I want to know the White House. I want to be on a stage with the president and receive an award from him. I want an event with children. And I also want to meet Nancy. All that. Why not? Can you get it? "

Branca was given the task of obtaining a positive response in the shortest time possible, which was not entirely difficult due to the fascination of the Reagans with show business. And so, the meeting was scheduled for the morning of 5/14/84
For such an important occasion, President Reagan dressed in a navy blue suit, a gray and navy blue striped tie & a white shirt. Nancy,on the other hand, chose a white suit, Adolfo brand, adorned with buttons and gold stripes. Nothing too spectacular to overshadow Michael's attire: an electric blue sequined jacket, adorned with sequined laces, a band of golden sequins, and epaulettes with golden sequins. He also wore his famous white sequined glove.
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Two thousand people in total, including officials, admirers and security met in the central garden to see Michael.
Once everyone was up on stage, the Republican president pointed out that:

"Michael Jackson is proof of what a person can accomplish through a lifestyle free of alcohol or drug abuse. People young and old can respect that. And if Americans follow his example, then we can face up to the problem of drinking and driving, and we can, in Michael's words, beat it."

- a brief speech of just 5 and a half minutes. Then he handed a plaque to Michael, a gesture that he thanked before the microphone with an even more brief intervention, saying a mere 13 words:

"I'm very, very honored. Thank you very much, Mr. President and Mrs. Reagan."

https://reddit.com/link/1crpctu/video/r07t0142k80d1/player
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During his tour of the halls of the presidential residence, he showed his fascination with a portrait of Andrew Jackson, dressed in a military suit very similar to the blue sequins he wore that day.
Until Michael's visit, only Elvis Presley, received this distinction, in 1970, when President Richard Nixon opened the doors of the Oval Office. Michael would return to the White House twice more during the terms of George W. Bush, Sr & Bill Clinton
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1985 - Michael Jackson received a royalty check from Epic Records for $53 Million for sales from his Thriller album.
1988- Michael is on the cover of Fresh! magazine
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1996- Michael visits Chateau de Pierrefonds in Northern France, rumors were he wanted to purchase a French chateau.
The Château de Pierrefonds, classified as a historic monument and managed by the Center des monuments nationaux, was not for sale. Michael was aware of this so his visit was simply a pleasure visit.
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The guides at the Château de Pierrefonds keep the memory of this arrival, completely unexpected, on 5/14/96. They speak with pleasure of this moment when the King of Pop arrived, surrounded by his bodyguards, to discover this castle worthy of fairy tales.
According to one of the guides, he arrived in a limousine which he parked in front of the village pharmacy. Michael, in fact, came in a station wagon type car which parked as close as possible to the entrance to the castle.
Wearing a red jacket and his mask, Michael arrived late in the morning when there were not too many people. However, it was school field trip time and a group of children were present. One of the guides explains that he then hid in a corner, near the stairs where the visit to the castle begins, so as not to be seen and disturbed
Michael paused for a long time in front of the model of the castle, located at the end of the guard room. Made in 1878 for the Universal Exhibition, this stone model built at 1/50 scale remains impressive (height: 145cm, width: 250 cm, length: 350 cm). Michael's bodyguards reportedly took a lot of photos and it is said that Michael asked for the plans of the model.
What is certain is that Michael had a model of the castle made for his Neverland ranch. It measured 269cm x 335cm x365 cm. A little larger than the model present at the castle. Michael's model sat in the middle of his living room, with, for a time, a framed photo of the castle on the wall.
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The model was one of the objects that Julien's Auctions wanted to sell at auction in 2009, before Michael prevented this sale.
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Although shy and discreet, Michael did not hesitate to pose for photos with the employees, who were quickly aware of his presence
Michael also leaves a strong memory of his visit with employees through his visit to the site's souvenir shop. He spent a large sum on history books, an amount which, according to the guide, “is not seen every day here” .
2004 - The Defense team, headed up by Thomas Mesereau, have decided to agree with the DA's Office of Santa Barbara to uphold the gag order in the case against Michael. Mesereau wrote that he and his client support the gag order and withdrew any objections to it made by Jackson's prior counsel.
In court documents filed , Attorney Theodore Boutrous, who represents the news organizations, criticized Santa Barbara County DA Thomas Sneddon's condemnation of the intense media coverage.

"Eliminating the gag order will ensure that more accurate information will be disseminated, and will reduce the amount of rumors, speculation and gossip about which the District Attorney complains," Boutrous wrote.

The news organizations have been annoyed by Sneddon's clampdown on information about the case. They have asked the California Supreme Court to overturn the gag order on the grounds that it violates the freedom of speech guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
Thomas Sneddon and Gerald Franklin, filed a motion earlier in the week, to the California Supreme Court to uphold the gag order in this case. He argued that the media was hoping to profit by pandering to a "gossip-hungry readership." He proceeded to write in his letter, "Despite the perhaps inevitable leaks, the public knows little more about the facts of this case than that Michael Jackson has been indicted on serious charges and that a jury will be asked to consider the evidence that may be presented to determine his guilt or innocence based on that evidence. And that's the way it should be."
Mr. Sneddon's letter was a response to the media's attorneys that wanted the gag order lifted which was imposed by the sitting judge in the case, Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville. The gag order prohibits participants involved in the case to discuss any particulars about the case to the media.
Sneddon argued in his letter that the news organizations have no standing to challenge the gag order because it applies only to case participants, not the media. He also said that such an order is required in a case that has drawn sensational worldwide attention.

"What is reported as fact becomes the nucleus of intense speculation, conjecture and discussion among commentators, particularly in the tabloid media and the audience they appeal to," Sneddon wrote. "Gossip -- and the 'news' tidbits that are gossip's grist -- translate into income."

2009 - In the last Family gathering Michael, Prince, Paris & Blanket attend Katherine & Joe's 60th wedding anniversary at the Indian Restaurant, Chakra in Beverly Hills with the whole family including all the grandchildren. Randy is the only one not in attendance. This is when most of Jackson siblings saw Michael for the first time since the 2005 Trial.This is also the last time Michael will see most of his family, including Janet & LaToya
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2009 - AEG sent a 2nd email to Conrad Murray
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2012 - Katherine Jackson & Brett Livingstone Strong give an interview on Piers Morgan Tonight. They show some of Michael's artwork
Brett Livingstone Strong is the artist responsible for "The Book", the only portrait that Michael ever posed for
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2013- Day 11 of the Jackson vs Aeg Live trial

Salvation Army Kroc Center Gulf Coast Welcome to the Salvation Army Kroc Center Gulf Coast! We've got it all - a state-of-the-art facility in Biloxi, Mississippi, offering activities for everyone.From our indoor pool with a two-story water slide and lazy river, to our full-sized gymnasium and dance studios, we've got you covered.But it's not just about fun and fitness here. We believe in personal growth and community engagement.So join us, break free from the ordinary, and embark on a journey of health, wellness, and connection.Key TakeawaysThe Salvation Army Kroc Center Gulf Coast is a state-of-the-art facility in Biloxi, Mississippi with a variety of facilities and activities.The center offers an indoor pool with a two-story water slide, a lazy river, and a zero-entry pool for relaxation.There is a full-sized gymnasium for basketball and volleyball, as well as dance and aerobic studios for group fitness classes.The center has flexible opening hours, extended hours on weekends, and affordable ticket prices, including free admission for young children.Facilities and ActivitiesAt the Salvation Army Kroc Center Gulf Coast, we offer a variety of facilities and activities that cater to individuals of all ages and interests, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of experiences on a regular basis.Our Kroc Center in Biloxi, Mississippi, is a place where you can swim, exercise, dance, and participate in various activities to stay fit and have fun. We've an indoor pool with a two-story water slide, a lazy river, and a zero-entry pool for those who prefer a more relaxed aquatic experience.If you're into sports, our full-sized gymnasium is the perfect place for basketball or volleyball. We also have state-of-the-art weight and exercise rooms for those looking to work on their fitness goals. Dance and aerobic studios are available for those interested in dance or group fitness classes.Whether you're a swimmer, athlete, or dancer, the Salvation Army Kroc Center Gulf Coast has something for everyone.Now, let's move on to our opening hours, so you can plan your visit accordingly.Opening HoursOur opening hours at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Gulf Coast cater to individuals of all ages and interests, providing ample opportunity for you to enjoy our facilities and activities. We understand the importance of freedom, so we offer flexible opening hours to accommodate your schedule. Here are our current opening hours:Monday to Friday: 6:00 am to 8:00 pmSaturday: 7:00 am to 6:00 pmSunday: 1:00 pm to 6:00 pmWe believe in creating a welcoming environment where you can freely pursue your passions and interests. Our opening hours allow you to start your day with an early morning workout or unwind after a long day with a late evening swim. On weekends, you can bring your family and make lasting memories together.By offering extended hours on weekends, we ensure that you have enough time to fully enjoy our facilities. Whether you want to take a dip in our indoor pool with a two-story water slide, relax in our lazy river and zero-entry pool, or challenge yourself in our full-sized gymnasium, our doors are open to you.Visit us during our opening hours and experience the freedom to explore, learn, and grow at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Gulf Coast.Ticket PricesLet's talk about the ticket prices at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Gulf Coast. The center offers various ticket options for visitors to enjoy their facilities and activities. Here is a breakdown of the ticket prices:Ticket TypePrice--Swim Pass for Adults$10.00Swim Pass for Kids (2 and under)FreePrivate Swimming Lesson (for non-members)$180.00For adults looking to take a refreshing swim, the swim pass costs $10.00. Children aged 2 and under can enjoy the pool for free. Additionally, the center offers private swimming lessons for non-members at a cost of $180.00.Now that we have discussed the ticket prices, let's move on to expert tips on how to make the most of your visit to the Salvation Army Kroc Center Gulf Coast. By staying updated on their social media platforms, you can discover programs and events that align with your interests. Don't forget to browse their event calendar for fitness classes and art workshops. During the holiday season, the center hosts festive events, providing an opportunity to support their mission. Engaging in community service opportunities and participating in their various programs will give you the chance to learn about different people, activities, and arts.Expert TipsTo make the most of your visit to the Salvation Army Kroc Center Gulf Coast, here are five expert tips to enhance your experience:Stay updated on their socials to discover programs and events that align with your interests. By following them on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, you'll be the first to know about exciting opportunities to engage with the community and explore new activities.Browse their event calendar for fitness classes and art workshops. The Kroc Center Gulf Coast offers a variety of classes and workshops that cater to different interests and skill levels. Whether you're looking to get fit, learn a new dance style, or unleash your creativity, their calendar will have something for you.Stop by during the holiday season for festive events and support their mission. The Kroc Center Gulf Coast goes all out to celebrate the holidays, with special events, decorations, and activities for the whole family. It's a great way to get into the spirit of the season while also supporting the Salvation Army's mission.Learn about various people, activities, and arts through their programs. The Kroc Center Gulf Coast is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. By participating in their programs, you'll have the opportunity to learn about different cultures, engage with a wide range of activities, and explore various art forms.Engage in community service opportunities. The Kroc Center Gulf Coast offers numerous volunteer opportunities that allow you to give back to the community while also making a difference in the lives of others. From food drives to mentorship programs, there are plenty of ways to get involved and contribute to a greater cause.By following these expert tips, you can maximize your experience at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Gulf Coast and make the most of everything they have to offer.Next, let's move on to the contact details of the Kroc Center Gulf Coast.Contact DetailsThe contact details for the Salvation Army Kroc Center Gulf Coast can be found below. If you have any questions or need more information about our facilities, activities, or programs, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.Address: 575 Division St, Biloxi, MS 39530Phone: 228-207-1218Website: Visit our website at [website URL]Social Media: Connect with us on various social media platforms to stay updated on our programs, events, and community initiatives.We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Our center offers a wide range of facilities, including an indoor pool with a two-story water slide, a lazy river, and a zero-entry pool. We also have a full-sized gymnasium, state-of-the-art weight and exercise rooms, as well as dance and aerobic studios.Our opening hours are as follows: Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.For ticket prices, our swim pass for adults is $10.00, while children aged 2 and under can enjoy free admission. Private swimming lessons for non-members are also available for $180.00.We encourage you to stay updated on our social media platforms and browse our event calendar for fitness classes, art workshops, and other exciting programs. Additionally, during the holiday season, we host festive events and opportunities to support our mission. Engage in community service activities to make a positive impact in our community.Please feel free to contact us with any inquiries or to learn more about our center.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat Is the Age Limit for Using the Indoor Pool and Water Slide?The age limit for using the indoor pool and water slide isn't specified.Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens or Military Personnel?Yes, there are discounts available for senior citizens and military personnel.These discounts are typically offered by various businesses and organizations as a way to show appreciation for the service and contributions of these individuals.Senior citizen discounts are usually available to individuals who are 55 years of age or older. These discounts can range from a certain percentage off of the total bill to special promotions and offers.Military discounts are available to active duty service members, veterans, and sometimes even their family members. These discounts can be found at a wide range of businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, and even travel companies.To take advantage of these discounts, individuals usually need to provide some form of identification, such as a valid military ID or proof of age.It's always a good idea to ask about available discounts before making a purchase or booking a service, as not all businesses may advertise their discounts upfront.Can I Bring My Own Exercise Equipment to Use in the Weight and Exercise Rooms?Yes, you can bring your own exercise equipment to use in the weight and exercise rooms. It's a great way to personalize your workout routine and use equipment that you're comfortable with.Just make sure to follow any rules or guidelines set by the facility to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Bringing your own equipment can enhance your workout and help you achieve your fitness goals.Is There a Dress Code for the Dance and Aerobic Studios?There is no dress code for the dance and aerobic studios. You're free to wear comfortable workout attire that allows for easy movement. We want you to feel comfortable and confident while participating in our classes.Do They Offer Childcare Services While I Use the Facilities?Yes, they do offer childcare services while we use the facilities. It's a convenient option for parents who want to work out or participate in activities without worrying about their children.The staff is trained to provide a safe and engaging environment for the kids. This service allows us to enjoy our time at the center while knowing that our children are well taken care of.ConclusionIn conclusion, the Salvation Army Kroc Center Gulf Coast is a vibrant and inclusive facility that offers a wide range of activities for people of all ages. Whether you're looking to have fun in our amazing pools, stay fit in our state-of-the-art gym, or engage in community events, there's something for everyone here.Join us and embark on a journey of health, wellness, and connection. Come experience the joy and excitement that awaits you at the Kroc Center.

The kitchen is on fire. Welcome to the final part of the Vapiano story where the tables are turning. In the first two episodes we followed Mark Korzilius' journey from setbacks to founding Vapiano, a groundbreaking restaurant concept, highlighting its fresh ingredients, dynamic atmosphere, and data-driven operations that drove rapid success. While achieving initial profitability and garnering attention from industry giants like McDonald's, Vapiano's global expansion has led to stellar revenue growth. However, it has also resulted in the emergence of numerous side projects (or distractions), operational challenges, increased costs, significant investments, and a notable accumulation of debt. This underscores the prioritization of top-line growth over profitable growth. We will continue on this thread and see how the story ends, but I would encourage you to read part one and two for better context. Vapiano P1: Italian Food Made in Germany (substack.com). Let's dig in.
Before Going Public
We are now in 2015 and the year is a disaster for Vapiano's PR department. Employee time stamps are being manipulated, endless overtime for employees and high turnover in managerial roles are reported; mice in the kitchen and even rotten food allegedly found.
The company is confronted with allegations of exceeding working hours among trainees in an article published by Welt am Sonntag, while the same outlet accuses Vapiano of manipulating punch times. The auditing firm PwC is commissioned to investigate the allegations and finds that there is no systematic approach but rather misconduct by individual employees, a mistake that’s being corrected. Internal however, investigations into stamp times are carried out regularly now and beyond its obvious reputational impact, this sucks up valuable management time and attention.
In the summer of 2015 CEO, co-founder and investor Gregor Gerlach, who has been running the group since 2011 is stepping down and Jochen Halfmann is taking over. A new Vapiano People Program with an App is being developed with the aim to better interact with customers that will incorporate innovate features such as mobile pay. The German website sees a launch of new magazine to further promote the brand and there is now a full inhouse blogger and Instagram team being installed. In October the company buys seven restaurants from original co-founder, former co-investor and ex-president previously responsible for internation expansion Kent Hahne (2x Bonn, 3x Cologne, 1x Koblenz and one in Cologne that’s under construction). This package of Vapiano restaurants is very successful and generates net sales of more than 20 million euros in 2014. Hahne opened his first Vapiano restaurant in Cologne in August 2006 and in 2015 with his company apeiron AG, Hahne operates six L'Osteria franchise restaurants, a direct Vapiano competitor, and two self-owned restaurants GinYuu.
Then in November of 2015, the next public relations bomb goes off with allegations regarding the company's quality standards. The company immediately investigates the issue through internal and external specialists but finds no evidence of any quality issues. Nevertheless, knowing that the group is now being closely watched, the company’s already in place hygiene standards are being reinforced. Additional audits and inspections are performed nationally. Further, all Vapianos worldwide are being audited twice by the partners SGS Institut Fresenius and SAI Global. Auditing software is purchased to simplify the implementation of the audits and the resulting measures. Apart from the external examinations, there is a food sampling plan in place being performed continuously. Again, all of this sucks up costs, management time and attention. With all these tumultuous developments the company’s growth engine is undeterred. Revenue grows by a whopping 50 million euros to 202 million euros, an increase of 33%. Impressive. While average spent per customer increases in all countries, the number of customers per day in Germany decreases by 3.3% partially due to the negative press towards the end of the year. Five own, four JV and 19 new franchise restaurants are added that year to the group, the total number of own managed restaurants grows to 51, there are 31 JVs and 84 franchises which bringing the total to 166 Vapiano restaurants. Global restaurant sales are now above 400 million euros.
But while revenue grows by an astronomical 50 million euros, operating profits, alarmingly, shrink again. Gross margins are staying perfectly healthy above 75% but operating costs keep growing disproportionately fast. The Company’s outstanding debt jumps by almost 30 million, close to 85 million euros by the end of the year. With operating profits at 9.5 million euros, alarm bells should be going off right now.
In Q4 of 2015, new CEO Jochen Halfmann introduces Strategy 2020. The new strategy includes five essential points. One, profitable growth in the newly defined core markets of Germany and Austria as well as in the UK, Netherlands, France and USA. Two, operational excellence through strict “best practice” management. Three, further development and digitalization of the concept considering guest feedback. Four, greater focus on long-term employee retention and five, building a modern and sustainable IT landscape. Sound’s good on paper but let’s see how things pan out.
Vapiano's investments (capital expenditures) that year are primarily directed towards new restaurant openings, renovations of existing establishments, and share acquisitions in other Vapiano restaurants from franchisees or JV partners. A significant portion of funds is allocated to the digitalization of the guest experience, including the development of a new app scheduled for market release in 2016 and the implementation of a time recording system across all group restaurants. The world's first standalone Vapiano restaurant with a delivery service that year is built in Fürth, Germany. The company keeps expanding its presence in both inner-city locations and international markets, such as Shanghai, China.
To finance all of this, the group has its own operating cash flow which comes in at 18 million while capital expenditures are 26 million euros plus 14 million for acquisitions. The funding gab is filled with 26 million euros of new debt and a seven-million-euro equity raise. At that end of the year and after the equity raise Gregor Gerlach (through his AP Leipzig GmbH & Co. KG entity) holds 30.1%, Hans-Joachim and Gisa Sander through their Exchange Bio GmbH hold 25.5% and the Tchibo heirs, Herz through their Mayfair Beteiligungsfonds II GmbH & Co. KG hold 44,4%.
But for the first time the restaurant’s concept that was so successful to date is being questioned. Some customers are starting to mislike the operational flow of the concept itself. If you want pasta, you must queue for pasta. If you want pizza you stand in a different queue. A small side salad, yet another queue. "You spend more time carrying trays than an actress in Berlin-Mitte. The audience in the pasta limbo can only consist of people who have worked for an insurance company for a long time and, like Stockholm syndrome, they can no longer get away from the industrial canteen feeling," writes TV host Beisenherz provocatively. While overly harsh in his assessment he's not entirely wrong judging by customers venting their frustrations in forums and social media channels. It isn’t uncommon for those who ordered pizza to have already finished eating while there is little movement in the pasta queue. Long term that doesn't go down well, QSRs competitors like L’Osteria are handling this process differently, with much success.
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Tipping Point

Where are now in the year 2016 and things start to deteriorate visibility. Perhaps not for the leman’s eye but any business minded observer can see that there are problems under the hood. Yes, revenue grows yet another whopping 50 million to almost 250 million euros but half of that growth, comes from acquisitions of restaurants that the group didn’t already own 100%, which is now being fully consolidated within the group’s accounts. Here is a concrete example. In the past, Vapiano SE, the group’s top holding company held an indirect 50% stake in a French subgroup via the subsidiary VAP Restaurants SA, based in Luxembourg, and included this as an associated company in the Vapiano SE consolidated financial statements using the equity method. Due to the acquisition of additional shares in September of 2016, Vapiano SE's indirect share in the French subgroup increased to 75%. This means that Vapiano SE takes control of the French subgroup, which is therefore included in the group’s financial statements as part of the full consolidation. The revenue from the acquired subsidiary now recorded in the consolidated income statement amounts to 12.8 million euros. While that’s great for the top line, the loss of the fully consolidated entity equates to 0.2 million euros. Yes, you are buying revenue, but there are losses attached to them, not profits. A similar case is the Swedish entity that runs eight restaurants with revenue of 11.5 million euros but has losses of 235 thousand euros. So much for Strategy 2020 and “profitable” growth.
That year the group’s operating profits are absolutely tanking, halving to 3.5 million euros. Operating profits are now a mere 1,4% of revenue. Remember original founder Mark Korzilius who talked about operating margins of 25% to 28% at the restaurant level? Yes, there are overhead costs for the organization that sits above the chain of restaurants, but operating margins that low indicates a course correction is needed. What’s telling is that in the annual report, in the management discussion section, the company starts talking about EBITDA as a proxy measure of profitability, rather than operating profit or net income. This wasn’t the case in the years before. Is this window dressing for an upcoming IPO? EBITDA is short for earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization. How can you measure profitability of a restaurant chain that absolutely and unequivocally needs capital investment to maintain its restaurant operations, the very source of cash generation, by simply excluding this maintenance charge (depreciation in the income statement)? Vapiano’s own annual report talks about the fact that existing restaurants must be rejuvenated from time to time and that new interior designs have to be implemented every few years. These things wear and tear, they go out of style, kitchen equipment breaks and needs replacement. This business absolutely needs maintenance capital expenditure, why anyone talks of profits before these maintenance costs is beyond me. Fun fact: in the previous annual report EBITDA is mentioned seven times, mostly around restaurant acquisitions and financing, not however as a profit indication for the group. In the new annual report, EBITDA is mentioned 28 times. Maybe it’s just me but belated Charlie Munger liked to call EBITDA: bullsh*t earnings. When in doubt I stick with Charlie. Interestingly, EBITDA for Vapiano keeps growing while operating and net profits keep falling.
Operating cashflow for the group that year is about 21 million euros, but capital expenditure is 30 million and acquisitions for subsidiaries another 20 million. To finance these expenditures another 28 million euros of debt and 16 million of equity is raised. Net debt rises above 130 million euro. The operating cashflow of the group before any capital expenditures is 21 million euros. I am not sure free cash flow would be significantly positive after maintenance capex is paid out; it’s not broken out so we can’t be sure. Granted, I am not on the ground during this time, and I am not in the board room, I am simply reading what’s in front of me, but to me this is starting to look like a distressed situation. Regardless, the following year the company goes public.

IPO

Where are now in the year 2017 and its Vapiano’s first year as public company. The company’s annual report reads the following “Sales revenue, like-for-like growth (LfL) and the earnings figures EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are used as the most important financial performance indicators for controlling operational business activities.” The very same report however also says: “The majority of the group's investments regularly go towards opening new restaurant locations and modernizing existing restaurants. The latter are differentiated into regular replacement investments that occur during ongoing operations (Maintenance CAPEX) and fundamental investments in the renovation of a restaurant (Remodeling CAPEX). On average, a restaurant remodeling takes place nine years after opening.” It says it right there in their own report; every nine years a remodeling is taking place. Remodeling and updating is not cost free, so why exclude depreciation charges which reflect capital expenditures? I understand that perhaps you would want to strip out one-off opening costs, that’s fine and fair, but don’t go overboard.
The number of restaurants increases by 26 (previous year: 13) to a total of 205. The increase consists of 27 new openings and one closure. Group revenue grows to an astonishing 325 million euros but here comes the shocker, operating profits turn negative to 25 million. Fine, strip out foreign exchange losses of 3 million, IPO costs of 5.8 million and new opening costs of 6.1 million and you still have 10 million euros of operational losses. All the while the debt load of almost 130 million hasn’t materially changed, so those operating losses are before a six-million-euro interest payment. 184 million euros are raised through the IPO of which 85 million go to the company. This money is earmarked for further expansion as the group has ambitions to almost double the footprint to 330 restaurants by the end of 2020. The company is currently not profitable on an operating basis, and still wants to expand aggressively? I don’t get it. The remaining 100 million euros of the IPO money raised is distributed to co-founder Gregor Gerlach and Wella heirs Hans-Joachim and Gisa Sander. The family office of the former Tchibo owners Günter and Daniela Herz with a 44% stake, don’t sell a single share. After the IPO, 32% of all the company’s shares are now in free float.
One year later, in 2018, things get even worse. Revenue grows to 371 million, but operating losses mount to 85 million euros, that’s before interest expenses of 9 million. Even the beloved EBITDA figure turns negative, meaning the operating business before any expansionary or even maintenance capital expenditures is loss making. All regions are experiencing significant deterioration in their earnings profiles. Like for like sales are down 1% across the board. That’s revenue, not profitability. The question naturally arises: is the Group approaching its natural saturation point here or this operational by nature? The operating cash flow is now 9 million while financing cost are close to 7 million. That leaves 2 million for maintenance capital for 74 own restaurants and 76 joint ventures ones. Describing this as financially tight, would be an understatement.
Things are not looking good at this point. Yet the company still grows restaurants by 26 new sites. 64 million euros are spent on acquisitions, new openings, and maintenance costs, financed through a 20 million-euro equity raise and 72 million of new debt. The Company now has net debt outstanding of over 160 million euros. After the equity raise and by the end of the year 2018, Mayfair owns 47.4%, VAP Leipzig, Gregor Gerlach’s entity owns 18.9% and the Sander couple own 15.5% of the company. Yes, the Sanders and Gerlach may have taken 100 million euros off the table, but they still have substantial skin in the game. Plus, Mayfair hasn’t sold a single share and instead injects more money into the company through the equity round. The stock has now fallen from its IPO price of 23 euros per share to under 6 euros by the end of 2018. Something must be done here. And indeed, there is pivot in strategy and a hard push for change. At last, the management team abandons its aggressive growth plan and curtails new openings significantly. Additionally, the team wants to run a thorough analysis of weak locations to then either discontinue or sell sites. In Europe, the operating focus will be put on corporate restaurants and joint ventures in major cities to ensure the ideal size and location to match the respective demographic target group. Outside of Europe, the franchising business is being expanded and at the same time a consolidation of the existing corporate and joint venture markets is being sought. All future investments will be reviewed to achieve higher rates of returns on new openings. Investments are also being made in the renovation of older restaurants. The goal in the future is to also open smaller formats, like Mini-Vapianos (less than 400 square meters) or Freestander at prominent transportation hubs outside city centers (currently in Fürth and Toulouse) to cater to individual location requirements, and to enter new partnerships. I am not sure why management hasn’t stopped all expansion altogether, bringing the ship in order first, getting profitable, clean up, all hands-on deck before considering any further expansions whatsoever. But again, it’s easy to comment from the sidelines; maybe they saw white spaces that would be covered by competing concepts if they weren’t moving fast and aggressively enough. Although pushing internationally means competing with local players such as Jamie's Italian, Prezzo, Pizza Express, Wagamama, Nando's and many more which brings in its own dynamic.
Management also aims to enhance guest satisfaction. This involves refining operational processes, reorganizing the support center, and refocusing on the core offering: providing fresh and high-quality Italian food at affordable prices for a broad audience. The group also aims to reduce waiting times, especially during lunch, while also improving the evening atmosphere. There is even what I would call an evolution, away from Vapiano’s original concept, reorientating the customer journey. The ordering flow is being changed, offering guests synchronized preparations of all dishes while eliminating wait times at the cooking stations. The open show kitchen remains, staying true to original mantra of freshness and transparency but now guests can choose their preferred method of ordering through a mobile app, using a digital order point (kiosk), or by personally placing an order with a waiter. Guests can still freely choose their table and are then informed about the complete preparation of their order through a pager or their smartphone. This is a substantial deviation from the original concept, but a needed one. The group is also exploring and implementing the expansion of take-away and home delivery services but only at suitable locations, not universally across new openings. I am not sure why home delivery is even a priority here; it adds operational complexity. It’s better to clean up shop first and get back to the basics before adding new complexities. To be fair management does try to simplify. There are 49 different permanent dishes on the menu and additional 10 seasonal ones. Customers can choose from eleven different types of pasta. There is simply too much choice, and it makes orders complicated. The company announced to slim the menu down to its most popular and typical Vapiano dishes. There’s no need for an Asian salad at an Italian restaurant. "We have to go back to the roots, i.e. classic, honest Italian cuisine" says COO Everke. Regardless, in November of 2018, the supervisory board pulls the plug on CEO Jochen Halfmann and replaces him with Cornelius Everke. Everke himself has just become COO five months ago. Since 2017 he was responsible for international expansion. From 2011 to 2017 that role was filled by Mario Bauer – put a pin in that name, he’ll play a key role in the groups fate later. Then nine months later, in the middle of 2019, Cornelius Everke quits. He essentially concludes that his skillset and experience in the areas of internation expansion is no longer needed in the foreseeable future. To put it differently: Vapiano has moved from a growth story and has become a restructuring case, and other skills are required for that job. In June of 2019 Everke says the following “(we’ve) made a bit of a mistake when it came to foreign expansion”. No sh#t. Vapiano postpones the presentation of the 2018 annual financial statements three times in the spring of 2019, citing negotiations over an urgently needed loan of 30 million euros. It’s not until the end of May that a binding loan commitment comes through from the financing banks and major shareholders.
We are now in August of 2019 and the corona pandemic is just around the corner. Supervisory board chief Vanessa Hall takes over as interim-CEO and things are unravelling. Visitor numbers are declining; originally, it was planned to sell the US business but halfway through the year the buyer cannot come up with the money. But not all restaurants are performing poorly. The group's poor figures contrast starkly as an example with the experiences of the Swiss-German franchisee, who runs six restaurants. The Sodano family in Switzerland pays Vapiano a royalty of 6% of sales for the use of the brand. Enrico Sodano explains in an interview that they operate largely autonomously from the licensor. If an “accident” were to occur, he could immediately replace the Vapiano sign with Sodano, he says. The family concluded the rents and contracts with employees and suppliers independently. The Sodano family have six locations in Bern, Basel and Zurich, around one million guests every year and 350 employees. Things are going well on the ground. The delivery service they’ve built is offering them a second income stream. Expansion into Winterthur, St. Gallen and Lucerne are being planned; small locations with 150 to 250 square meters and an attached delivery service. Originally, Vapiano restaurants used to be huge but for such a large restaurant to be profitable, 800 to 1,000 guests per day are needed. That’s possible in medium-sized cities, but not in smaller towns which is why the Vapiano group now also supports smaller formats. Back to our corporate drama. The 2019 annual report would be the last report the group files. By the end 2019 the outstanding debt of the company is at an astronomical 450 million euros. Revenue has grown by another 7%, produced by four net new openings through two JVs and two franchise restaurants but operating losses come in at 317 million euros. That sound like an absolute shocker at first but depreciation and amortization charges are 345 million, so that operating cash flow is actually positive but unfortunately capital expenditures and interest payments are so large that they are eating up all of the company’s operating cash flow. Then in the beginning of 2020 Corona hits with full force and the world shuts down. As a result of the measures to prevent further spreading of the virus, the group is forced to cease all global business operations (except in Sweden). While all these shutdowns are happening, the group is the middle of negotiating with its lending banks and main shareholders. There are additional financing needs for restructuring measures, even without a pandemic happening in the background. The situation is so dire that the company starts pleading to the German government to roll out the package of financial help more quickly. Unfortunately, it’s to no end. The rapid closure of restaurants and the resulting lack of operating cash inflows in conjunction with the additional financing requirements, lead to the company’s final knockout punch. In April of 2020, the Vapiano group officially files for insolvency proceedings. The end of an era.

New Beginnings

Because of the pandemic, the majority of the group's subsidiaries in Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United States, Sweden, and China also file for insolvency or seek liquidation. The US business never gets sold in the end and is wound down. In the summer of 2020, significant group divestments occur, including the sale of 75% shares in the group's French subsidiaries, shares in franchisor companies, Australian subsidiaries, German subsidiaries, associated companies, self-managed restaurants in Germany, and insolvency-related sales in the Netherlands, Great Britain, and Sweden. The buyer of the Vapiano brand and one of these bundles of Vapiano restaurants is company named Love & Food Restaurant Holding, a consortium led by Mario C. Bauer – a name I told you to remember. Bauer was a former Vapiano board member and led the national and international expansion, opening 200 sites in 33 countries from 2011 to 2017 until he was succeeded by Cornelius Everke. Bauer didn’t feel comfortable with the IPO at the time but clearly has a lot of managerial and entrepreneurial talent.
The buyer consortium is an absolute A-Team comprised of European QSR top league hitters, including the founder of the Pret A Manger chain Sinclair Beecham; Henry McGovern, the founder and Ex-CEO of the giant international restaurant and foodservice operator AmRest; the Van der Valk Family that runs hotels and Vapiano restaurants in the Netherlands, and co-founder and ex-CEO Gregor Gerlach. The acquisition value is 15 million euros and entails 30 Vapiano restaurants in Germany, albeit that’s just the purchase price which comes on top of any capital investment needed to refresh and return the sites to its former glory. Nevertheless, just as a thought experiment, if you can get each site to 2 million euros of revenue and 400,000 euros in operating profit on average, which wouldn’t be an overly aggressively assumption given the company’s history, you’ve got yourself a package that can deliver restaurant-level operating profits of 12 million euros or more. It’s not disclosed how much capex was needed to refresh the operations, just that fact that the overall investment plus purchase price was a middle double-digit million-euro figure. Stil, it probably was a decent purchase. The same consortium buys Vapiano’s French business for 25 million euros just two weeks prior. After the transaction concludes, the master franchise is given to Delf Neumann and his Gastro & Soul GmbH. Neumann is an experienced operator, and he is ambitious to revitalise the brand with new services and products. For example, instead of pizza, the restaurants will be serving pinsa - a flatbread made from sourdough, wheat and rice flour, topped similarly to a pizza. It targets a more health-oriented customer base looking for a less calory heavy option. The menu overall is expanded by including a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
https://preview.redd.it/kpt7ea6red0d1.png?width=1242&format=png&auto=webp&s=c9930ced85ee364e9df414547cae06b47a03fc19
Today Neumann’s Gastro & Soul GmbH operates 18 Vapianos on its own account and has 29 franchise sites, amongst other brands. By the year 2021, Vapiano operates 191 restaurants in 34 countries. This is around 50 fewer sites than before the bankruptcy. The number of branches is particularly thinned out in Germany – from 80 to 55. Nevertheless, Vapiano's home country remains by far the largest market, followed by France with 35 restaurants and Austria with 15 locations. “We have shrunk ourselves to health,” says Bauer in the aftermath and there is no further shrinking planned. Quite the opposite, the smell of expansion is in the air again – pun intended. Not as aggressively as before and with a new menu and ordering process.
Overall, the team around Bauer is filled with industry experts with knowledge and networks gained over decades who have a great track record, a long-term view, and the staying power to let Vapiano breath and finds its way back to success. The pressure of being a public company with all the associated quarterly, half-year and yearly disincentives have been removed. The menu is changed and extended with new types of pasta and sauces with significantly more vegetarian and vegan dishes available. Guests can order with restaurant staff, at terminals or on their phones and there are barcodes attached to the tables identify the respective seat. The food is brought to your table, all at the same time if you are in a group, no more annoyances with waiting in line. There is a plan for smaller, 350 square meter locations, with half the number of guests and significantly fewer staff and less set-up costs required to make the economics work. Locations that capitalize on remote work and increased demand for local lunch options, higher population density with shorter delivery routes and therefore cost-effective in house delivery services are targeted. And Bauer is testing the concept of ghost kitchens, which operate without a dining room or service staff, focusing solely on preparing food for delivery services, which for obvious reasons have a very different operational set up and footprint. Original founder Mark Korzilius however is not entirely convinced. He is not a fan of the pinsa for instance and he considers Vapiano's pizza as its cash cow, flagship product and believes that the core Vapiano proposition of Pizza, Pasta, Bar that has given the company its original success is being diluted. He instead admires the competitor L'Osteria, saying they’ve done a better job by focusing on Italian classics, especially the impressively large pizzas that sticks out beyond the plate is leaving every customer in awe. The guys who run L’Osteria are the same guys who have built Vapiano with him in the first place. Bauer on the other hand, like a true business leader, remains undeterred, stating that he is frequently asked whether Vapiano's restart was bold or foolish. He believes in entrepreneurship, franchising, in his experienced fellow partners and importantly the Vapiano concept. By the year 2024 you can find over 140 Vapiano branded restaurant in 27 countries across the globe, including locations far away from its birthplace like Australia, USA, Columbia, Chile, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. And why not? Italian food is, and will remain to be, incredibly popular. Vapiano offers fresh and tasty food at affordable prices in a good atmosphere. This combination of attributes should attract a lot of customers. It certainly has in the past.
For more stories: WIP Thomas Weitzendoerfer Substack

Hotel Indigo NYC Downtown - Wall Street in New York City, USA
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120 Water St # 122, New York City, NY 10005
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