Oak View Group, the global venue development, advisory and investment company for the sports and live entertainment industries, has further developed its OVG Hospitality division through the acquisition of Spectrum Catering, Concessions & Event Services.
The announcement comes after the completion of OVG’s acquisition of Spectra, which was one of the industry’s leading food and beverage providers, in November to create a full-service live events company.
OVG said the acquisition of Spectrum, which is headquartered in Houston, Texas, will continue OVG Hospitality’s trajectory toward becoming the top food service and hospitality provider in the industry by broadening the company’s portfolio and expertise.
“The fact that Spectrum’s growth has been driven by referrals, word-of-mouth, reputation and top talent speaks to the stellar organisation Dave Smalley has built over the last 30 years,” said Ken Gaber, president of OVG Hospitality.
“After meeting Dave five years ago, I became a fast fan of his work. Whether his team is designing precise event layouts or working closely with cities, municipalities, promoters, producers, artists and non-profits, they know the ins and outs of planning and executing food and hospitality at some of the world’s largest live events.
“Bringing on the Spectrum team will allow OVG Hospitality to grow our business in non-traditional avenues. Dave and his team understand that food should be fun, familiar and fast, and I couldn’t be happier to bring a friend into the OVG Hospitality family.”
Smalley, Spectrum’s founder and CEO, added: “Hard work and integrity are hallmarks of Spectrum’s successful operations – across the kitchen, dressing room and dining room – and it became clear very quickly in our initial discussions with Oak View Group that our teams would work seamlessly together.
“We have consistently delivered some of the highest per caps and the highest revenues of any concert concessions company, and we look forward to continuing those achievements with OVG Hospitality.”
OVG in February rebranded its OVG Facilities division and its Spectra acquisition as OVG360. The new division offers a range of services, including hospitality and food, booking and content development, private events and curated experiences, global partnerships, premium sales, integrated marketing solutions, public safety, public health and sanitisation, sustainable operations, and parking and mobility services.
The division also covers customer service and training, venue financing solutions, technology and integration consulting, procurement support, owner’s representative and project management services, and retail development.
OVG360 places a particular focus on sustainability, assisting venues and client-partners on climate change issues.
Image: OVG
