JAY-Z MOVING FORWARD WITH 40/40 CLUB EXPANSIONS

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As we reported last year, Jay-Z and his 40/40 Club franchise are poised for a huge 2011. The club, which originated in Manhattan and spread to Atlantic City, N.J. will open new establishments in Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Tokyo and Macau throughout the new year, and that's not even the biggest move for Jay and his investors. After a partnership with Delaware North Companies, a food service provider, previously rumored airport versions of 40/40 will also start opening.

To get an idea of the risk involved, The Network Journal recently sat down with Alex Askew, the leader and co-founder of the Black Culinarian Alliance, to see how well the 40/40 Club could translate to the pace and expectations of airport clientele.

"The amount of traffic present in an airport justifies the business case for operating a food establishment there. The cost may be higher but customers are always guaranteed," he said.

While it's still unknown which of the Delaware North properties will get their own 40/40, the company does own a wide variety of spaces in over 20 major airports as well as high-traffic locations like the New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey, Kennedy Space Center, Yosemite National Park and TD Garden in Boston.

The 40/40 Club's rapid expansion will also come with a renovation of its original venue in Manhattan. Jay plans to close the OG 40/40 from April through July 2011 to make changes and provide a new flagship model for the rest of the club's national prospects.