INGLEWOOD – As part of its on-going commitment to economic inclusivity, Oak View Group (OVG), the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions, today announced the addition of Crowns & Hops, the prominent Inglewood-based, Black-owned brewing company, to its companywide supplier diversity program. The partnership is designed to assist Crowns & Hops in showcasing its beverages at select OVG properties.
As the official food and beverage provider of the LA County Fair, OVG Hospitality will host students from Cal-Poly Pomona in a Chef Cook-Off to create innovative dishes paired with Crowns & Hops’ signature brew, 8 Trill Pils, at the Fair on Sunday, May 12 at 11 a.m. OVG Hospitality’s Chef Juan Hurtado and General Manager Bill Cheek, both of Acrisure Arena, and Crowns & Hops’ CEO & Co-Founder Beny Ashburn will serve as judges. The winner will earn an internship opportunity with OVG Hospitality’s Executive Chef David Harvie at Acrisure Arena’s kitchen in Greater Palm Springs, CA, and a custom chef coat, apron, and hat.
“Partnering with OVG Hospitality & The LA County Fair for the chef cook-off is an exciting opportunity to celebrate community, creativity and culinary excellence. I’m honored to be a part of an initiative that not only supports local businesses like Crowns & Hops, but also nurtures the next generation of culinary talent,” said Ashburn. “This year marks the first collaboration between LA County Fair and Crowns & Hops, and I’m proud to see their commitment to supporting local businesses and diversity reflected in my role as a judge.”
The OVG Supplier Diversity Program aims to foster economic inclusivity by making OVG’s supply chain more diverse by encouraging the participation of vendors historically overlooked while ensuring a positive impact is made in the communities where OVG operates. The program champions community empowerment by providing opportunities for underrepresented business to thrive and contribute to local economies.
“I often ask who isn’t at our table that needs to be here, and how do we help them be successful? Through the OVG Supplier Diversity Program, Crowns & Hops, a fantastic Black-owned brewery, is on a clear path to opportunities within our company and a broader audience,” said Dr. Debonair Oates-Primus, OVG’s vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Our partnership is a significant step to a more diverse and equitable supply chain, and we’re thrilled to embark on this journey together. Expanding their products across multiple OVG Hospitality venues provides our guests a unique and exciting experience.”
