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White Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group, Kansas City, MO, USA

A nascent trend - entertainment + restaurant + bar = third place social

We're seeing the emergence of a new type of venue that often has social as the last word in its name. First there was Punch Bowl Social in Denver and then Portland. Now we have Pinewood Social (pinewoodsocial.com/ ) in Nashville.

What characterizes these social venues from other more traditional venues that combine entertainment and food and beverage is that they are being designed to become what are known as 3rd places, a great place to just come hang out and socialize. Home is considered the 1st place and work the 2nd place. Starbucks' success has been substantially fueled by their 3rd place appeal. What these new social venues are doing is mixing in great food and beverage with entertainment to create a 3rd place on steroids.

The creators of Pinewood Social, Strategic Hospitality, have created a venue that is a place for people to gather morning, noon or night. The relaxed and hip 13,000-square-foot complex is located in a renovated trolley barn divided into five distinct areas - a coffee shop, a casual restaurant, a cocktail area, an activities area that includes a bowling alley and a karaoke room that doubles as a private meeting room and an outdoor area with a pool, cabanas, seating for the restaurant and a bocce ball court. The menu is grounded in American comfort food and caters to all dayparts.

You might think that a mix of so many different uses won't work. But it all comes together giving Pinewood Social a unique image and appeal. We're sure to see more of these unique eclectic mix social venues popping up around the country.

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