First-Ever U.S. Rolling Stone Magazine Venue to Open in Hollywood in the Summer of 2010

First-Ever U.S. Rolling Stone Magazine Venue to Open in Hollywood in the Summer of 2010

Lucky Rug Group and Magazine Founder Jann S. Wenner Will Bring to Life the Essence of the World's Most Iconic Music Magazine

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspired by the iconic magazine that continues to help define the pulse and power of music and pop culture, the first U.S. Rolling Stone (www.RollingStone.com) venue will open at Los Angeles's popular Hollywood and Highland Center (www.HollywoodandHighland.com) in the summer of 2010. The announcement was made today by the venue's founders - Lucky Rug Group principals Niall Donnelly and Joe Altounian - with legendary Rolling Stone editor and publisher Jann S. Wenner.

Ideally situated among some of the country's most famous and historic attractions, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese Theater and the Kodak Theatre, the multi-level Rolling Stone space will encompass more than 10,000-square feet and serve as an exciting blend of equal parts restaurant, bar, lounge and upscale private-event space. Designed by Brodin Design (www.brodindesignbuild.com), the venue will reflect the progressive timelessness for which Rolling Stone is known - featuring exposed black brick, tufted leather and vaulted ceilings throughout the location, as well as a stunning antique iron staircase.

Rolling Stone magazine is widely regarded as the predominant music authority in American culture. Commenting on the new Hollywood venue, the magazine's founder and publisher Wenner said, "We've been looking for the ideal opportunity to expand the Rolling Stone brand for some time and we are thrilled to be working with Lucky Rug Group. Southern California and the city of Los Angeles are deeply entrenched in the history of both Rolling Stone and rock music, and we're excited to bring to life Rolling Stone magazine in Hollywood through what will be a very special place."

Ownership of Lucky Rug Group is comprised of entrepreneurs Niall Donnelly and Joe Altounian. A serial entrepreneur, Donnelly is known for his ability to create lucrative business opportunities in unforeseen sectors, having spent more than 12 years owning and operating some of the most popular and successful bars and clubs in the United Kingdom and Ireland, including Anam Bar, Slim Jim's Liquor Store, the Woodbine, the Blue Note, Blackjack Liquor Shack and many more. The Irish Times recently named the long-haired and tattooed Donnelly in the top 10 Irish "Entrepreneurs to Watch" worldwide, in large part for his unconventional creativity and vision of delivering the same kind of successful business acumen in the U.S. that he has achieved in the U.K.

With over 10 years in the Southern California commercial and residential real estate industry, Altounian has played an integral role in numerous condo conversions and land entitlement projects. Donnelly and Altounian created the Lucky Rug Group in 2009 and have leveraged their extensive knowledge of nightlife properties and the real estate industry to bring the first-ever Rolling Stone venue to Los Angeles.

"For those who love music and pop culture, the words 'Rolling Stone' continue to mean so much to so many people around the world, especially in the U.S.," said Donnelly. "We are both excited and determined to bring the spirit of the magazine to life - the edginess, the coolness, the classiness and the timelessness - in making this venue a place to see and be seen in."

"The Rolling Stone brand transcends age, gender and musical preference and we are committed in making sure that everything that encompasses the Rolling Stone space at Hollywood and Highland Center will reflect that," added Altounian. "Our vision is to provide guests with unforgettable food and entertainment with the unmistakable Rolling Stone style as the backdrop."

About Lucky Rug Group

Lucky Rug Group was founded by entrepreneurs Niall Donnelly, a 12 year veteran of the nightlife industry and Joe Altounian, who has over 10 years of experience in the Southern California real estate market. Lucky Rug Group is currently developing multiple restaurant, nightlife and bar properties in the Los Angeles area and across the US. Under the holding company Arrogant, Donnelly is involved in many projects ranging from nightlife venues to new media and mobile endeavors as well as scripted and un-scripted television shows. Altounian has been involved in numerous real estate projects in Los Angeles throughout his career, including commercial and residential projects. Within Lucky Rug Group, Donnelly is responsible for the vision and operations while Altounian is responsible for raising capital for their upcoming endeavors.

Rolling Stone has been the leading voice of music and popular culture since its inception over 40 years ago. The magazine features the latest in music reviews, in-depth interviews, hard-hitting political commentary and award-winning investigative journalism. Rolling Stone provides all the news that fits to 13 million readers every two weeks.

About Hollywood & Highland Center

Situated in one of the country's most densely populated markets, Hollywood & Highland Center attracts over 15 million visitors per year. At this one-of-a-kind, high profile destination, the best in retail, fine dining and unique entertainment venues come together with the vibrant world of today's Hollywood.

Featuring the historic Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the world renowned Kodak Theatre, the center is a hot spot for locals as well as a "must see" destination for international visitors. The center features over 60 top retailers, nine of L.A.'s finest restaurants, Grauman's Chinese 6 Theatres, two popular nightclubs and Lucky Strike Lanes, a high tech and trendy bowling alley/nightclub.

The notable center houses an eclectic mix of top retailers including: XXI Forever, a newly expanded Louis Vuitton, Oakley, Guess, Lucky Brand Jeans, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Sephora, Victoria's Secret, Giordano and the newly-opened Hard Rock Cafe Rock Shop. Embodying luxury at its finest, Hollywood's elegantly chic and state-of-the-art Spa Luce is located at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa. Just steps away from Hollywood & Highland Center on Hollywood Boulevard, additional retail and entertainment outlets including Tesco's Fresh & Easy neighborhood market; Zara; Madame Tussauds Hollywood wax museum; hot fashion retailer, H&M and American Apparel enhance the convenient and enjoyable experience of the world-famous venue. The center's award-winning, Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa features 640 sumptuously appointed rooms, including 33 luxury suites and an elegant, Mid-Century Modern decor.

Source: Lucky Rug Group; Rolling Stone

CONTACT: Jennifer Green, jgreen@bncpr.com or Lauren McGee,
lmcgee@bncpr.com, both of BNC PR, +1-310-854-4800, for Lucky Rug Group and
Rolling Stone

Web Site: http://www.rollingstone.com/
http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com/
http://www.brodindesignbuild.com/

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