UWink

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uWink logo
uWink logo

uWink, Inc. (stock symbol: UWKI) is a publicly-traded digital entertainment company based out of Los Angeles, California. The company was founded in 2000 by Nolan Bushnell, the co-founder and former CEO of both Atari and Chuck E. Cheese. After little success developing interactive entertainment for restaurants, bars and mobile devices for several years[1] the company changed focus to their uWink Bistro concept in 2006, which is described as an "entertainment dining experience which leverages its proprietary network and entertainment software, including the uWink Game Library". [2]

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[edit] Bistros

uWink Bistros have a touchscreen video terminal at each table. Patrons complete their order through the video screen without the assistance of wait staff, which is then transmitted to the kitchen. The interactive kiosks allow patrons to view the ingredients and nutritional information for each entree, and supports customization in both food and drink orders.

While waiting for their food, patrons have the option of playing social games (aimed at engaging a group of customers at a table) or view movie trailers, music videos, horoscopes, celebrity gossip and comedy skits. Games include "challenge games" such as "Zillionaire" (a trivia game similar to "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?") as well as multi-player games such as Pong-style games that groups can play away from their tables while they are awaiting their orders.

[edit] uWink Locations and expansion

The first uWink location opened on October 16, 2006 in the Westfield Promenade in Woodland Hills, California[3] and has received mixed to favorable reviews[4][5]. Their second restaurant is set to open in early 2008 in Hollywood and Highland Center in Hollywood, California [6]

On June 11, 2007, uWink announced its first franchise locations will be opened in the Miami, Florida area via an agreement with OCC Partners, LLC.[7] Under the Area Development Agreement, up to three franchised uWink restaurants are to be built in the Miami-Dade county area over the next four years.

On June 25, 2007, uWink announced its first joint venture with venture capital firm Jefferson Partners to open uWink locations in Canada.[8] Their first bistro is expected to open in Canada by early spring 2008.

On October 25, 2007, uWink announced it had acquired a currently operating restaurant in Mountain View, California, and planned to convert the approximately 7,000 square foot location to the uWink concept and open to the public by early 2008.[9] The restaurant, formerly the California Roadhouse, is located at 401 Castro Street.

[edit] References

  1. ^ uWink website archive from 2002.. Retrieved on 2007-05-02.
  2. ^ About uWink
  3. ^ uWink Announces Opening of First Resteraunt. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
  4. ^ First (Or Close To It) uWink Restaurant Review. Retrieved on 2007-10-24.
  5. ^ It's all about 'u' at interactive eatery uWink. Retrieved on 2008-03-17.
  6. ^ uWink Goes Hollywood: New Location to Open at Hollywood & Highland Center. Retrieved on 2007-05-10.
  7. ^ uWink Announces First Franchise Area Development Agreement. Retrieved on 2007-06-11.
  8. ^ uWink Announces Plans for Canadian Restaurant Joint Venture. Retrieved on 2007-07-01.
  9. ^ uWink to open in Silicon Valley. Retrieved on 2008-03-26.

[edit] External links

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