Tropical-themed casual dining franchise

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (September 2, 2015) – Hurricane Grill & Wings^®, a tropical-themed full service restaurant franchise, will open at 4827 Lone Tree Way in Antioch as the first location in California and it will occupy the previous UNOs grill pizzeria. Hurricane Grill & Wings is the industry leader for creating innovative flavor combinations, announced today the signing of a new multi-development agreement that will bring the concept to the state.

Twin brothers, David and Jack Nguyen have years of experience in the restaurant industry as multi-unit operators for numerous franchise concepts throughout Northern California. The brothers are already fast at work on the development of their first Hurricane Grill & Wings restaurant, slated to open this fall in the city of Antioch. The duo has signed on to develop additional Hurricane Grill & Wings locations throughout Northern California in the coming years.

For 20 years, Hurricane Grill & Wings has prided itself on offering guests fresh, never-frozen jumbo wings with more than 35 signature flavors of sauces and rubs. With selections ranging from traditional buffalo to an array of unique options that include: Chipotle Raspberry BBQ, Ancho Chili Lime and Jamaican Jerk with heat intensity that ranges from Calm Seas to Evacuation Route, there is something to satisfy any palate. Additionally, guests can customize their own burgers using the Build-A-Burger menu feature, including a variety of savory toppings and sauces.

“It is an incredible milestone for Hurricane Grill & Wings to enter the state of California with experienced operators like David and Jack Nguyen,” said Kevin Kruse, chief development officer of Hurricane Grill & Wings. “Their passion and excellence in their existing restaurants is evident, and we are very excited about David and Jack Nguyen being our franchisees and bringing the Hurricane Grill & Wings brand for the first time to California.”

“We researched numerous restaurants that have not yet tapped the California market to complement our existing brands,” said Jack Nguyen, franchisee of Hurricane Grill & Wings. “We ultimately selected Hurricane Grill & Wings for their commitment to providing fresh and flavorful food in an atmosphere reminiscent of a beach front shack, which is perfect for our customers in California.”

Hurricane Grill & Wings has seen tremendous national growth in 2015 with expansions in Florida, Iowa, Maryland and Texas. In addition to California, the concept will close out the year by entering Louisiana, Oklahoma and Virginia as well as its first international location in Italy.

About Hurricane Grill & Wings

With over 80 restaurants open or under construction in 15 states and 5 European countries that include Austria, Germany, Italy, Poland and Switzerland, Florida-based Hurricane Grill & Wings^® is known for its jumbo, fresh wings, more than 35 signature sauces and rubs and tropical, laid-back vibe. Named by USA Today as one of “10 Great Places to Wing It,” selected as one of the “Future 50” by Restaurant Business and as one of Franchise Times “Top 40 Fast and Serious,” Hurricane Grill & Wings’ menu includes crave-able Hurricane’s Garlic & Parm fries, tasty salads, seafood entrees and fresh ½ pound burgers. The brand’s signature Rum Bar with over 21 premium rums leads its tropical drinks menu along, along with a wide selection of craft beers and wines. The original Hurricane Grill & Wings opened in Fort Pierce, Fla., in 1995 and has expanded to locations in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, with additional restaurants planned internationally. For more information, visit www.hurricanewings.com.

For Franchising Opportunities contact Kevin Kruse via email at kevin.kruse@hurricaneamt.com, by phone at (609) 731 – 2485, or visit our website at http://www.hurricanefranchising.com/

By Allen Payton

The Antioch Police Department honored the graduates of their first Citizens Academy during a ceremony at the police facility, Wednesday evening, September 2. A total of nine Antioch residents completed the two month course.

The academy provided an opportunity for community members to meet the police officers who protect and serve our city. The intent was to educate the community on the duties, training, investigation techniques and situations police officers and other members of the police department may encounter.

Those who attended the academy were given the opportunity to participate in some of the activities police officers perform as part of their every day duties. Hands on experiences included fingerprinting, defensive tactics, interacting with a K-9 and handler, and riding along with an officer.

“I want to congratulate all of you for going through our first Citizens Academy,” said Chief Allan Cantando. “This is something that’s not only good for the citizens but good for the police department.”

“Thank you to Lt. Aguinaga for putting it, together,” he added.

He then asked the graduates what they liked and disliked about the eight-week course.

Hans Ho, is a past chairman of Antioch’s Police Crime Prevention Commission and head of the city’s Neighborhood Watch program said, “What I liked about it I got a lot of good information. I’ve been here 12 years and I found out how much I didn’t know.”

“I feel the same way,” said Barbara Brown-Ackerman, who is also a member of the Volunteers In Police Service. “The information. There are so many people out there who don’t know what all the officers do. They have no idea. I’m able to tell them something. I really liked all the classes.”

Graduate Sandy Hartrick, whose husband and daughter were in attendance with a “Congrats” balloon, shared what she liked about the program.

“I think it’s the knowledge you gain,” she said. “Everyone is doing so many tasks. It’s not like you’re just a police officer, writing tickets. There are a million facets of the job. It was very eye opening…how much of themselves the officers have to give to the job. Keeping in tune to keep themselves safe…thinking about themselves, thinking about the citizens.

Francisco Muñiz offered a different view.

“I didn’t like the class. I loved it,” he said to laughter of all in attendance.

“Good,” Cantando joked. “I thought I was going to have to use some pepper spray.”

Muñiz then shared what he didn’t like.

“Maybe a little more time with the weapons,” he stated. “It would be useful for the average citizen to know to handle the weapons.”

Graduate Mindy Amerine enjoyed other aspects of the course.

“The CSI. The drug unit was especially eye opening to me,” she shared. “The gang unit, knowing the tags. The firing range. Maybe shooting another clip would be good. Getting to use the dust and fingerprints. It was a great overall experience with every single class.”

“I used to have a tunnel vision of the police department,” said Tina Biles. “Now I have this 360 degree view. We have a great police force and I’m thankful for it.”

“Those scenarios were so stressful,” she continued. “I failed every time,” to which everyone laughed.

“They were awesome and terrifying at the same time,” Biles added. “I would have signed up for a longer course.”

Graduate Michael Morris said it was the depth of the class.

“It was really fascinating. I was most interested in the drugs and gangs. Because my kids are teenagers.”

“I’d like two ride-alongs instead of one,” he offered as his critique. He wanted one at the end after all the classes, which lasted three hours per night. Other students suggested the course last longer or last four hours per night to cover everything.

“It was great,” Harry Thurston said as he got choked up. “You let us behind the blue door. I can’t believe it. All the things you guys go through is just amazing. I would like more. Stretch me further.”

“What I learned is the people who taught us were like family,” he continued. “Because you have earned more respect out of me than I thought I could ever give.”

“I could not retain everything that was being thrown at us,” Thurston added.

Cantando responded to all the positive comments.

“What you said is exactly what we wanted it to be,” he said. “We are a family here at the police department. We couldn’t do our job without our family. We couldn’t do our job without you. Just the fact that you went through this program…you are family with us, now. You are our ambassadors, now. You know more than most of the public knows that officers go through.”

He then presented each graduate with an official Antioch Police Department mug, a diploma and a Challenge Coin.

“It’s something we give out in the department,” Cantando said about the coin. “The reason why I give it to them, it’s to tell them the values we want them to represent – Pride, Integrity and Courage.”

The class then took group photos and enjoyed some cake.

Then, their final classmate, Lorenzo Macon, was able to show up.

Cantando presented him with his gifts, as well.

“You can’t buy these,” he said referring to the Challenge Coins. “If you have one you’ve been given it by someone in the department.”

Macon shared his thoughts on the course.

“I liked the blood curdling and adrenaline rush from the scenarios,” he said to more laughter. “This is the first one. We pioneered this thing. I look forward to some future endeavors.”

Those include a possible position with APD.

“There’s some level-one reserve or CSO positions that might come up that I’m interested in,” said Macon, who is currently an armed officer with Strategic Threat Management in Antioch. “This gave me one foot in the door.”

Another suggestion by the graduates was better marketing of the academy, so more people can participate in it, in the future.

“I want to thank all of you for giving me your time and input,” Cantando stated. “We don’t have another scheduled as of yet. But we will definitely market it.”