José Andrés' ThinkFoodGroup and Allied Esports To Debut First Gaming-Inspired Menu at Esports Arena Las Vegas

SANTA ANA, Calif., Dec. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ThinkFoodEntertainment, a division of chef José Andrés' ThinkFoodGroup, and Allied Esports, the world's leading network of dedicated esports properties and content production facilities, will partner to develop the first esports-inspired food and beverage program. Esports Arena Las Vegas, the Strip's first esports venue, will debut the one-of-a-kind menu when it opens at MGM Resorts International's Luxor Hotel and Casino in early 2018.

Andrés and the ThinkFoodEntertainment team will create a unique and highly researched culinary program designed for gaming enthusiasts and visitors from around the world who will take part in the arena's cutting-edge, interactive entertainment offerings. The menu will reflect innovative items catered to gamers, with portions crafted with efficiency in mind.

"Like the rest of Esports Arena Las Vegas, the food and beverage offering will be unlike anything seen across the industry, and José and his team are the perfect fit for that kind of culinary inspiration," said Jud Hannigan, CEO of Allied Esports International. "Whether you are a regular gamer or a first-time visitor, you will leave Esports Arena Las Vegas wanting more, and the unique food experience will be a major part of that sentiment."

Andrés notes, "I happen to be an avid gamer myself, so I was excited to have the opportunity to create an experience for the esports guest - whether they are playing or just enjoying the show! My team and I are working to create a menu that is delicious, but also practical for the gaming environment. The development process has been a lot of fun as we determine what gamers will want to enjoy while playing!"

This partnership marks the fifth concept for Andrés in Las Vegas. His other restaurants include Jaleo Las Vegas, é by José Andrés, China Poblano and Bazaar Meat by José Andrés. Andrés also opened Fish by José Andrés at MGM National Harbor in December 2016.

Earlier this year, Allied Esports announced plans with Luxor for the creation of Esports Arena Las Vegas, which will be the flagship location of the company's growing global network of esports properties spanning North America, Europe and China.

Allied Esports and Esports Arena are working with Luxor to transform the 30,000-square-foot space into a multi-level arena with a competition stage, LED video wall, telescopic seating, daily gaming stations, and state-of-the-art streaming and television-quality production studios. The arena will provide a ready-to-go championship destination for tournaments, leagues and high stakes match-ups in a setting designed to deliver an unparalleled fan experience.

About Allied Esports (alliedesports.gg)
Allied Esports is a joint venture of some of the largest esports, mind sports, sports and entertainment companies - Ourgame International (SEHK: 6899) (owner of WPT Enterprises, Inc. and the World Poker Tour), KongZhong and iRena (NEEQ: 834358). The company's mission is to build a global competitive esports property designed to connect players and fans via a network of integrated arenas and mobile esports trucks around the world that will serve as both battlegrounds and content generation hubs. The Allied Esports Property Network currently consists of Wangyu Esports in Beijing, Allied Esports SEG Arena in Shenzhen, Esports Arena in Santa Ana, Calif., the ELC Garage in Hamburg and the Big Betty mobile esports truck in Europe with upcoming properties announced in Oakland, Calif., Las Vegas and a mobile esports truck in North America.

About Chef José Andrés (thinkfoodgroup.com)
Named one of Time's "100 Most Influential People" and "Outstanding Chef" by the James Beard Foundation, José Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, author, educator, television personality, humanitarian and chef/owner of ThinkFoodGroup. A pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States, he is known for his avant-garde cuisine and his award-winning group of 27 restaurants throughout the country and beyond. His innovative minibar by José Andrés earned two Michelin stars in 2016 and with that, José is the only chef globally that has both a 2-star Michelin restaurant and 4 Bib Gourmands. Andrés' work has earned numerous awards including the 2015 National Humanities Medal, one of 12 distinguished recipients of the award from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Contacts
Katelyn Mixer / Natalie Mounier
kmixer@kirvindoak.com / nmounier@kirvindoak.com
Kirvin Doak Communications
702-737-3100

Brian Fisher
Allied Esports International
brian@esportsallied.com

Margaret Chaffee
JOSÉ ANDRÉS THINKFOODGROUP
MargaretC@thinkfoodgroup.com

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jose-andres-thinkfoodgroup-and-allied-esports-to-debut-first-gaming-inspired-menu-at-esports-arena-las-vegas-300573292.html

SOURCE Allied Esports