Austin, TX (January 3, 2024) - Elevate Entertainment Group (EEG), a leader in the cinema entertainment industry, is proud to announce significant additions and a new role to its leadership team, marking a pivotal step in its ongoing mission to redefine the entertainment experience. Effective immediately, Steve Zuehlke joins as the new Chief Operating Officer, Louis Maldonado steps into the role of Vice President of Food & Beverage and Jeff Mann transitions to the company’s first Vice President of Supply Chain role.

Steve Zuehlke: A Veteran Leader of Operational Excellence
With a remarkable 35-year tenure at Cinemark, Steve Zuehlke is a well-respected and celebrated executive in the cinema industry. His journey at Cinemark included spearheading the company's global expansion where he was instrumental in establishing Cinemark's presence in 15 countries around the globe, a testament to his exceptional leadership and strategic vision. His approach, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a focus on team culture, has consistently delivered outstanding results. At Elevate, Zuehlke will apply his extensive experience to enhance operational efficiencies cross-functionally and ensure a uniform, high-quality guest experience across all venues.

Louis Maldonado: Hospitality Excellence to Elevate Guest Experience
Louis Maldonado, a Michelin-starred chef, hospitality leader and a finalist on Season 11 of Top Chef New Orleans, brings a rich tapestry of experience to Elevate. A graduate of the California Culinary Academy, Maldonado's journey through prestigious kitchens across the country, including the Michelin-starred Cortez and French Laundry, has honed his skills in creating extraordinary hospitality experiences. His vision for reimagining the food and beverage offerings across the Elevate portfolio of brands is set to revolutionize the guest experience, elevating the standard for cinema and entertainment centers.

Jeff Mann: Paving the Way for Supply Chain Excellence
Jeff Mann, who has played a pivotal role as the Vice President of Food & Beverage with Elevate, will be transitioning into a new role as the company’s first Vice President of Supply Chain. Since joining the organization in June of 2022, Jeff has gone above and beyond, accomplishing tremendous work in the food and beverage space. This strategic move recognizes his dedication and will allow him to put 100% of his focus and energy into creating circuit-wide consistency across the company’s sourcing, purchasing, and inventory processes. Leveraging his 30+ years of experience in the food & beverage space, Jeff's new role supports our commitment to operational excellence and sets the stage for enhanced efficiency throughout the supply chain operations.

Mitch Roberts, Founder and CEO of Elevate Entertainment Group, expressed enthusiasm about the leadership changes, "Steve, Louis, and Jeff are each game-changing leaders for our team. Their expertise and vision align perfectly with our commitment to being at the forefront of experiential entertainment. We are excited to see the impact they will have on our guest experience, advancing our goal of setting the industry standard through people-centric thinking, relentless innovation, and thoughtful growth."

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About Elevate Entertainment Group
Austin-based Elevate Entertainment Group creates boundary-pushing entertainment destinations that connect people through the power of shared experiences. As an Inc. 5000 Fastest Private Growing Company and the nation’s leading and largest operator of cinema-entertainment centers, the Elevate Entertainment Group portfolio of brands includes EVO Cinemas, EVO Entertainment, Elevate Rewards, ShowBiz Cinemas, Times Square Grand Slam and Violet Crown Cinemas. The organization offers a broad slate of activities including movies, bowling, games, and attractions like climbing walls, virtual reality, ropes courses, and bumper cars. Guests can enjoy refined food and beverages from their scratch kitchens and bars while immersing themselves in a variety of entertainment options for everyday fun.