Embassy Suites Hotel & Convention Center & Houlihan’s Restaurant at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas
Press release provided by O’Reilly Hospitality Management
Springfield based O'Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC announced its definite intent to move forward immediately with the final development and construction of its planned 202-room Embassy Suites Hotel & 40,000-square-foot convention center and Houlihan's Restaurant project. The hotel and convention center project and ground lease on University land, which was approved on Feb. 26 by the Arkansas State University Board of Trustees, will be located on Red Wolf Boulevard on the A-State campus between the Centennial Bank Stadium (football), Tomlinson Stadium (baseball) and Convocation Center, and will serve as a hub of campus activity and events, as well as a "living laboratory" for the university hospitality program.
"We have continued to work through the business model for this project including receipt of a recent significant grant from the Delta Regional Authority, and with the assistance of the University as our partner, as well as various other incentive programs, we have finalized the financial package and are awaiting the immediate approval by Hilton of our Embassy franchise application within the next 30 days" said Tim O'Reilly, CEO and Managing Member of O'Reilly Hospitality, the management company and developer of the project, and Managing Member of Jonesboro Hotel Partners, LLC which will be the owner and Hilton/Embassy franchisee. The Embassy Suites franchise application was filed by O'Reilly Hospitality in early 2015.
O'Reilly also stated, "It is unfortunate both that there appears to be a political competition of sorts regarding our project and another convention center project that has been attempted for many years, and that there is definitely not a market or opportunity to succeed for two convention centers in Jonesboro. However, we have great faith in our partnership with A-State which when combined with the outpouring of support from many facets of the Jonesboro business and medical communities, the powerful Hilton/Embassy booking and global marketing and sales engine, and our team's experience and past success with this type of project, and we will press forward without hesitation and we will persevere and succeed in this market."
"Arkansas State is thrilled to partner with Tim O’Reilly and his team of professionals and industry experts at O’Reilly Hospitality Management," said Dr. Tim Hudson, Chancellor at A-State. "This innovative campus project will help define us further as a destination university. We will now install a new academic program in hospitality management that will attract students from across our entire region. As our recruitment footprint expands, the Embassy Suites Hotel will afford prospective students and their families as well as visiting artists and lecturers, sports teams, returning alumni and many others the convenience of staying in a first-class facility conveniently located on campus. The quality and magnitude of the OHM project will enable us to provide essential continuing education opportunities and conferences for medical students and faculty associated with the new NYIT osteopathic medical school which will open in the heart of A-State this fall. Faculty and students who belong to national, state and local associations can finally bid to host organization conferences in Jonesboro."
"This world-class Embassy Suites and Red Wolf Convention Center project enhances A-State’s role as a leading economic engine in the region, will bring to our community thousands of new visitors, and provides new opportunities for our students. Thanks to the continued support of the local business community and the professionalism of OHM this project will soon be reality," Hudson said.
Architectural plans for the project are currently being finalized by O'Reilly Hospitality Management and Butler Rosenbury Architects of Springfield, Missouri, with construction to begin within approximately 120 days, followed by a 15-16 month construction process. A-State & O'Reilly Hospitality are planning significant ground breaking and grand opening events that will promote the university, the City of Jonesboro, and the region as a first class destination for conferences, meetings, and business, academic and social events of all types.
About O’Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC
O’Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC was formed by Mr. Tim O’Reilly, Managing Member/CEO, in November 2007 and created by an intense desire to provide a unique, enjoyable and consistent guest experience through competent, attentive and team oriented hospitality management.
O’Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC has developed and manages many award-winning upscale restaurants, full, select and extended stay service hotels, conference and convention centers, and other properties, including the following: Hilton Garden Inn (LEED Gold Certified) Springfield, MO., DoubleTree by Hilton Springfield, MO., Cambria Hotel & Suites, Plano, TX, Marriott TownePlace Suites Springfield & Joplin MO., Yellowstone Valley Lodge Livingston, MT., Holiday Inn, City Center Tulsa, OK. Baymont Inn Branson, MO., Holiday Inn Little Rock, AR. Boston’s Restaurant Little Rock, AR. Houlihan’s Restaurant (North) Springfield, MO. Houlihan’s Restaurant (South)(LEED Gold Certified) Springfield, MO., Houlihan’s Restaurant Columbia, MO, Macadoodles Fine Wine & Spirits of Republic, MO, and its newest development project, the 318 Suite Embassy Suites by Hilton & 70,000 sq. ft Convention Center & Houlihans Restaurant & Bar in Denton Texas at Rayzor Ranch. For more see www.ohospitalitymanagement.com.
About Arkansas State University
Focusing on its mission to educate leaders, enhance intellectual growth and enrich lives, Arkansas State University is the catalyst for progress in our state, the Delta and the Mid-South region. Founded in 1909, A-State meets the challenges of continuing as a destination university for more than 13,500 students through the combination of world-class research with a long tradition of student-friendly instruction. The second largest university in Arkansas, Arkansas State is a doctoral-level national institution with more than 150 degrees areas of study, including a robust online program, and a diverse student body from across the nation and the world. Learn more at AState.edu.
About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, comprised of more than 4,600 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties with more than 758,000 rooms in 100 countries and territories. For 96 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of 13 world-class global brands includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Embassy Suites by Hilton
Embassy Suites by Hilton, one of Hilton Worldwide’s 13 market-leading brands, is dedicated to delivering what matters most to travelers. The full service, upscale brand offers two-room suites, free made-to-order breakfast and a nightly two-hour reception with complimentary drinks and snacks. Both leisure and business travelers looking for a relaxed, yet sophisticated experience will feel right at home with brand-standard amenities like inviting atriums and complimentary 24-hour business and fitness centers. Embassy Suites by Hilton has 225 hotels with more than 40 in the pipeline. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels receive instant benefits, including an exclusive discount that can’t be found anywhere else, free standard Wi-Fi and digital amenities like digital check-in with room selection and Digital Key available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app. For more information, visit www.embassysuites.com, and connect with Embassy Suites by Hilton at news.embassysuites.com, www.facebook.com/embassysuiteshotels and www.twitter.com/EmbassySuites.
