Minnesota Hockey Ventures Group (MHVG), which owns the
Wild, is looking the expand its business, according to Aron
Kahn of the ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, who reported that MHVG
is evaluating concert productions, building management, and
upscale catering "as a hedge against a time when the [Wild]
might not be profitable." MHVG is currently "studying the
Upper Midwest for arenas and convention centers to manage
and cater." Wildside Catering President Bill Morrissey: "We
fully intend that Wildside Catering will be a catering force
in the five-state area, and that St. Paul Arena Co. will be
a building management force. Duluth, Milwaukee, Eau Claire
-- they all have civic buildings. We'll look at them all."
The catering company was formed two months ago "to provide
premium meals to arena suites and upscale gatherings" in St.
Paul's RiverCentre. The company has 120 employees, and it
is "aiming higher." Kahn noted that MHVG CEO Jac Sperling
is "by all accounts the creative force behind the expansion
strategy but not one to show his cards prematurely." Kahn
wrote, "While acknowledging he has many ideas, Sperling says
excelling at their current business is the group's main
focus." Sperling: "Hockey is our core business. ... Would
we like to expand the business? Yes. Do we know exactly
how? Not yet" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 12/10).
