SAM NAZARIAN'S C3 ANNOUNCES NEW NATIONAL COLLABORATION WITH UNITED PARKS & RESORTS

Guests can get a first taste as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Teams Up with Innovative Latinx Culinary Brand TOMA by Sofia and Manolo Vergara

TOMA is the first of C3's culinary brands to launch as part of the new relationship with United Parks & Resorts

MIAMI, Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sam Nazarian's C3, a CPG and culinary brands company connecting new audiences through food brands in exclusive arrangements, is excited to announce that it's teaming up with United Parks & Resorts, a global theme park and entertainment company that owns or licenses a diverse portfolio of award-winning park brands and experiences. Guests got a first taste at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during Howl-O-Scream with the launch of TOMA, the innovative culinary brand by Sofia Vergara and her son, Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, that offers modern takes on classic Latin American cuisine. TOMA was so popular at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay that there is another iteration for guests to enjoy during Christmas Town, happening now through January 5. This program is the first activation in C3 and United Parks & Resorts collaboration, with plans of offering additional C3 brands at other park brands in the United Parks & Resorts portfolio across the country.

Sam Nazarian, Founder & CEO  stated, "We are thrilled to bring C3's premium CPG and QSR brands to United Parks & Resorts, giving their customers even more reasons to return. This collaboration represents not just a culinary evolution but a reimagining of the dining experience at theme parks and entertainment destinations, offering accessible chef-driven concepts with delicious food that the whole family can enjoy. United Parks is an incredible collaborator, as they have mastered the theme park, entertainment industry and we cannot wait to work together to bring C3 countrywide."

Geoff Madding, COO, C3 stated, "We are excited to launch our collaboration with United Parks & Resorts as it will introduce C3 brands to a new demographic consisting of locals and visitors alike in new markets throughout the country. We are aiming to provide guests elevated culinary offerings in destinations that they might least expect. As we reach new audiences, C3 will provide United Parks with new chef-driven products as well as IT and backend support to really build on this mutually-beneficial collaboration. We cannot wait to grow this together and really change the culinary footprint throughout America's most quintessential theme parks."

Marc Swanson, CEO, United Parks & Resorts stated, "We know spending time at one of our parks can bring new memories and experiences across family and friends. We are thrilled to be diversifying our food offerings with this collaboration with C3, introducing new and exciting brands and concepts that we expect will become can't miss craveable opportunities to share and enhance a visit to the park."

The collaboration aims to provide park visitors access to a diverse array of elevated, chef-driven culinary options, in the convenient format of grab-and-go, which guests can experience in between thrilling rides, immersive animal experiences and exhilarating live-entertainment. In addition, the collaboration allows C3 to reach new customers within a new demographic and build brand awareness for its CPG brands.

C3 is re-imagining the food service industry at a time when change is needed most. Founded and led by visionary Sam Nazarian C3 is simultaneously, systematically and broadly bringing together technology, underutilized retail, hotel and kitchen spaces and world-class culinary talent. C3's culinary brands currently include Umami Burger, Krispy Rice, Sam's Crispy Chicken, Kumi, Sa'Moto, EllaMia, Cicci di Carne, Plant Nation, El Pollo Verde, Stonie Bowls, Frankly by Snap-O-Razzo, Tastemade Me Tacos, Citizens Pizza and more. Additionally, C3 has partnered with California-based Soom Soom Fresh Mediterranean.

This announcement also is among other newly-announced, high-profile initiatives including sbe's recently-announced equity partnership with global music icon, Marc Anthony and his company Magnus as well as the partnership with world-renowned actress Sofia Vergara and her son, Manolo Vergara to launch innovative LatinX culinary brand, TOMA, a concept that masterfully harmonizes flavors and elements from Latin America and plans of becoming a disruptor in the LatinX Consumer Packaged Goods category. These partnerships aim to show sbe and C3's commitment to expanding and connecting food and hospitality with the Hispanic community.

C3 Media Contact: Nina Kempner, [email protected]
United Parks Media Contact: Nicole Bott, [email protected] 

About C3 

C3 (Creating Culinary Communities) is re-imagining the food service industry at a time when change is needed most. Founded and led by visionary Sam Nazarian with minority investors Simon, a real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations, Brookfield Properties, a fully-integrated, global real estate services company, and Accor, the world-leading augmented hospitality group, C3 is simultaneously, systematically and broadly bringing together technology, underutilized retail, hotel and kitchen spaces and world-class culinary talent. C3's culinary brands co-exist to disrupt the food & beverage industry by capitalizing on rapidly evolving customer preferences through C3-established shared kitchens, Citizens culinary markets, and mobile delivery with the next-gen GO by Citizens app. Current C3 brands include  Umami Burger, Krispy Rice, Sam's Crispy Chicken, Kumi, Sa'Moto, EllaMia, Cicci di Carne, Plant Nation, El Pollo Verde, Stonie Bowls, Frankly by Snap-O-Razzo, Tastemade Me Tacos, Citizens Pizza and more. Additionally, C3 has partnered with California-based Soom Soom Fresh Mediterranean. To learn more, visit www.C3bysbe.com.

About United Parks & Resorts Inc.

United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS) is a global theme park and entertainment company that owns or licenses a diverse portfolio of award-winning park brands and experiences, including SeaWorld®, Busch Gardens®, Discovery Cove, Sesame Place®, Water Country USA, Adventure Island, and Aquatica®. The Company's seven world-class brands span 13 parks in seven markets across the United States and Abu Dhabi, offering experiences that matter with exhilarating thrill and family-friendly rides, coasters, and experiences, inspiring up-close and educational presentations with wildlife, and other various special events throughout the year. In addition, the Company collectively cares for one of the largest zoological collections in the world, is a global leader in animal welfare, training, and veterinary care, and is one of the leading marine animal rescue organizations in the world with a legacy of rescuing and caring for animals that spans nearly 60 years, including coming to the aid of over 41,000 animals in need. To learn more, visit www.UnitedParks.com.

About Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA accredited zoo with over 16,000 animals representing more than 200 species, and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit BuschGardensTampa.com. Busch Gardens is owned by United Parks & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: PRKS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.

SOURCE sbe