BMW OF NORTH AMERICA CELEBRATES OPENING OF BOUCHON, CHEF THOMAS KELLER’S NEW RESTAURANT

Pierce Brosnan, Julia Louis Dreyfus and Ludacris among those who arrived at the opening in BMW ActiveHybrid X6 vehicles

Beverly Hills, CA – November 17, 2009… BMW of North America celebrated culinary icon and 30-year BMW owner, Chef Thomas Keller, at the opening of his new restaurant, Bouchon in Beverly Hills, last night.  As the exclusive automotive sponsor of the event, BMW provided a fleet of BMW ActiveHybrid X6 vehicles to some of the high-profile guests who attended the opening, including Pierce Brosnan, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Ludacris, Gilles Marini and Sex and the City creator Darren Star. Other famous faces at the star-studded event included Ryan Seacrest, Jay Leno, Larry King and Star Jones.

“We are honored to support Chef Keller, culinary innovator and member of the BMW family, at the launch of his acclaimed, new French bistro and wine bar.  One of the things that makes BMW unique is our strong connection with our owners, many of whom, like Chef Keller, have been enthusiasts of the brand for decades,” said Jack Pitney, Vice President of Marketing for BMW of North America.  “But, this partnership is more than just a chance to recognize one of our own.  It is a perfect platform to showcase our involvement in one of the top leisure pursuits of BMW owners – fine dining.”

Added Chef Keller: “I am very excited to open Bouchon in Beverly Hills, and thank BMW for its support.  I bought my first BMW just over 30 years ago in West Palm Beach, and have always admired the brand for its innovative, beautiful and efficient vehicles. I’m thrilled that BMW was able to be a part of our grand opening celebration.”

Last night marked one of the first opportunities for consumers to catch a glimpse of one of BMW’s new hybrids, which will not debut in dealer showrooms until December 5th.  The ActiveHybrid X6 is the most powerful hybrid in the world and 20% more efficient than the standard BMW X6 xDrive50i.  It has the ability to drive in an electric mode up to a speed of 37 mph, which means that under those conditions, the car will release zero harmful emissions.

More than 400 special guests turned out to fete the opening of Bouchon in Beverly Hills, which is named for the particular style of café that existed in the province of Lyon for centuries.  Bouchon’s cuisine is rooted in Keller’s philosophy of combining the finest seasonal ingredients with unfailing attention to detail in presentation.  Leading the Beverly Hills team are Chef de Cuisine Rory Herrmann, General Manager Greg Rowan, Pastry Chef Scott Wheatfill and Head Sommelier Alex Weil.

Located in the Beverly Hills Gardens building at 235 North Cañon Drive, the restaurant joins the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group’s other Bouchon bistros, located in Yountville and Las Vegas, and marks the premiere of Bar Bouchon, featuring an extensive wines-by-the-glass and beer selection, as well as an array of small plate offerings.  Chef Keller’s additional restaurants include The French Laundry, Per Se, Ad Hoc and Bouchon Bakery. 

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes.  The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 89 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwgroupna.com
www.bmwusanews.com
www.press.bmw-motorsport.com

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For information on Bouchon in Beverly Hills or any of the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group properties, please contact tkpress@prconsulting.net.

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Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products is available to journalists on-line at the BMW Group PressClub at the following address: www.press.bmwgroup.com/us.html.  Broadcast quality video footage is available via The NewsMarket at www.thenewsmarket.com.
      
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