A founding Principal, Nik Bhakta has been with CMG Companies (CMG) since the company was founded, and he currently oversees CMG’s real estate development and its hotel portfolio. He’s also involved in oversight for the company’s Sonic and Little Caesars franchise portfolios.
He says, “Right now, I’ve been learning quite a bit in the hotel space. We have 300 or so restaurants, and I drew the straw of getting into the hotel side but still keep my operational skills sharp with restaurants” He continues, “I worked from an early age in my parents’ hotels, doing everything from A to Z. Thankfully, these days, I’m more involved in portfolio management and acquisitions.”
Nik Bhakta claims that the best part of his job is analyzing deals and traveling to view hotel properties. He states that since his home is not in Dallas where CMG Companies is headquarterd, it is advantageous to the group because it allows him to offer an outside perspective on things.
Nik’s family came to New Mexico, where Nik grew up with his three sisters. After receiving his degree in education he says, “After working in education for a while, I felt that I needed a change. Around the same time, me and the guys visited a Genghis Grill together. I left a comment card stating our interest in franchising.”
When the first of CMG's Genghis Grill was opened in 2001, the team struggled. Thankfully, through passion and perseverance, the restaurant was able to become profitable, opening up the ability to purchase other restaurants, and eventually, the entire Genghis Grill concept. In an effort to diversify and branch out, CMG began looking at the hotel industry. Currently, the company owns and operates several properties with more in development.
On coming to work each day, Nik states, “I love what I do, and I think we’re building something special. We have hotels, a cricket team, retail outlets and restaurants, but more importantly, we have comradery. We don’t just work together. We all take vacations together, we hang out after work…it’s just really nice to work with your best friends.”