The Cordish Co., the Baltimore-based company that won a bid last year to develop a 10-acre parcel of land just outside the new Nationals stadium, has signed a deal with NASCAR to develop and operate a string of NASCAR-themed restaurants and entertainment venues across the country.
The deal gives Cordish the exclusive rights to the NASCAR name for restaurant and entertainment concepts. Two NASCAR-themed restaurants are currently open in Orlando, Fla., and Myrtle Beach, S.C. Cordish will relaunch both locations next February after spending millions to redevelop them.
“There is no question in our minds this can be one of the biggest brands in the country in the restaurant and entertainment sector,” said Reed Cordish, vice president of The Cordish Co.
The Cordish Co. is well-known for its entertainment complex developments and was one of the major developers in the revitalization of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The Power Plant — a mixed-use project including ESPN Zone, Hard Rock Cafe, Barnes & Noble and loft offices — and Power Plant Live! — a $35 million project with 15 entertainment venues — were both developed by Cordish.
Plans for the company’s Nationals stadium development are expected in the next few weeks. Cordish, along with Monument Realty, are developing the “gateway” to the park on a 10-acre swath of land just north of the stadium.
“The goal is to create a truly vibrant destination and gateway into the stadium,” said Jon Cordish, vice president of Cordish. “It will be a dynamic and entertaining ground-floor experience [similar to what] we’ve done throughout the country on these types of developments.”
Cordish is also creating entertainment districts for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. While no concrete plans have been released yet on what the Nationals development will look like, John Cordish said the company is exploring licensing options, such as the NASCAR Sports Grille, as well as original concepts.
“Aspects of it may well feel like the Inner Harbor at Baltimore, yes,” he said. “But will there also be things unique to the Anacostia Waterfront? Definitely.”
Examiner Staff Writer Bruce Miller contributed to this report.
