here's a link to Levy's press release:
http://www.levyrestaurants.com/Levy/Abo ... Dining.htm
here's from the Bismark website. take it for what it's worth.
Comprehensive History
Bismarck Enterprises was founded in 1983 by Peter R. Wirtz with the objective of bringing greater quality, service and integrity to the food service, merchandising and consulting industries. Bismarck has established a prominent reputation in Chicago's sports and entertainment industries.
From 1994 through 2009, Bismarck served the United Center and over 30 million customers at this state-of-the-art, world class sports and entertainment venue. The Bismarck commitment to customers and clients was put to work through operation of all food, beverage and retail facilities, including the distinctive Chicago Stadium Club, the Ketel One Club, the Bud Light Legends Lounge, the Chicago Brew Pub & Carvery, the Harris Club, the Theater Boxes, the Governor's Room, the NHL & NBA banquet rooms, as well as 196 executive suites, super-suites and branded concession stands.
In addition, Bismarck managed the one-of-a-kind, 5,200 square foot in-arena retail store, Fandemonium, which carried unique and high quality Blackhawks and Bulls apparel and gifts. Bismarck Enterprises also operated The Blackhawk Store (formerly HawkQuarters), the Official Store of the Chicago Blackhawk Hockey Team.
Bismarck Enterprises developed an innovative organizational and control system in order to make the complex food service and retail operations run smoothly. Traditional methods had been improved upon and new methods were implemented. This innovative spirit is a hallmark of Bismarck Enterprises.
From the beginning, Bismarck Enterprises serviced sports arenas, racetracks and recreational parks. Some of Bismarck's past clients include United Center, Navy Pier, Chicago Stadium Sportswear Company, Chicago Stadium, Grant Park, Tiger Stadium, Detroit Race Course, Hazel Park Raceway and Northville Downs Race Track.
Throughout the years Bismarck Enterprises consulting division has provided consulting services to a wide range of clients in the hospitality & entertainment industries.
In recent years Bismarck Enterprises has ventured into real estate investments &
development.
Biographies of Company Executives
Peter R. Wirtz
President
An attention to detail and an unrelenting commitment to quality, service and integrity are hallmarks of Peter Wirtz's management style. Since starting Bismarck Enterprises as a food service and merchandising company in 1983, Peter has brought his leadership to an ever increasing list of businesses and markets. Bismarck has become successful by basing their business around the needs of their customers and clients while using creativity and imagination to expand its business.
For over 25 years Peter has owned and operated various companies, which include:
Bismarck Food Service, Inc., Michigan.
Bismarck Food Service of Illinois, Inc., Illinois.
Pier Management Services, Inc., Illinois.
Bismarck Enterprises at Navy Pier, Inc., Illinois.
Bismarck Consulting Service, Inc., Illinois.
HawkQuarters, Illinois.
Bismarck Enterprises at the United Center, Inc., Illinois.
Bismarck Enterprises, Inc., Illinois.
Peter was a senior executive with the Chicago Blackhawk Hockey Team, Inc, for 18 years and served as an Alternate Governor to the NHL Board of Governors.
Peter has served on various boards, which include:
John Marshall Law School, Board of Trustees.
First Security Trust & Savings Bank, Officer & Director.
First Miami Bancorp, Board Member.
United Center Joint Venture Committee, Board Member.
Outside of Bismarck Enterprises, Peter's interests are all related to his family and the health and fitness fields. Throughout his life, Peter has researched and participated in many aspects of these fields. Peter is a dedicated athlete who has a vast knowledge of nutrition and training techniques. He has participated in a broad range of team and individual sports and is always challenging himself to broaden his knowledge and as it relates to health, fitness and nutrition.
John W. Kerr
Executive Vice President
As Executive Vice President, John Kerr oversees a wide range of responsibilities for Bismarck Enterprises. John has vast knowledge of financial, legal and general business operations. John has served with Bismarck for over 20 years.
John also served as the Executive Director of Finance for the Chicago Blackhawk Hockey Team, Inc. In this capacity John oversaw all financial operations for the team.
Formerly employed by Wirtz Corporation, John's duties include managing accounting functions, management of computer systems, preparation of divisional and consolidated financial statements, cash management, budgeting and forecasting, insurance coverage, tax planning and preparation of consolidated Federal and State tax returns. John was also the Controller for various Ice Shows and participated in the acquisition and/or sales of several subsidiaries.
Previously, John was Controller for Zegers, Inc. He prepared financial statements, supervised general and cost accounting, cash and credit management, budgeting and forecasting, inventory control, insurance coverage, tax planning and preparation. John was also Senior Auditor at Arthur Andersen & Co. as a member of the firm's Small Business Division.
