Longtime local catering business buys Savoy property
Feb. 23—A local catering business that has been serving the community for over 40 years is expanding its footprint.
Michaels' Catering, established in 1984, has purchased 104 W. Tomaras Ave., which was most recently home to Pan & Cake Catering Co. and Marble's Catering.
Whitney Ackermann, co-owner of Michaels' Catering alongside Stephen Kovachevich and Ling Kuhn, said they had previously considered buying the building the last time it was on the market but decided against it due to the pandemic.
"But we've been looking for a space of our own for a while," Ackermann said. "So it was a good space and it's in a nice location and it's already built out for catering, so we don't have to do a lot of work."
Michaels' Catering currently leases space at 720 S. Neil St., Suite 3. Ackermann said they are still determining whether to keep this location or move out.
She estimated that the space on Tomaras Avenue could be up and running after graduation, potentially around early June.
The Champaign Fire Department has issued a building renovation permit at 3002 Apollo Drive, Bay 4 for a Red Bull facility. The estimated value of construction is approximately $270,000.
City Zoning Administrator Katherine Trotter wrote in her review of the project that distribution facilities and warehouses are both permitted uses in the Heavy Industrial District, which the site lies within.
Red Bull has posted an online job listing for an account sales manager in Champaign.
Culver's, located at 2006 Patton Drive, officially opened at 10 a.m. Monday following a ribbon cutting, according to a Facebook post from the Mahomet Area Chamber of Commerce.
The franchise is owned by Gary Satterlee, who also owns Culver's in Champaign, Urbana and Danville.
According to the chain's website, the location is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
"Stop by to enjoy their famous ButterBurgers, fresh frozen custard, and delicious cheese curds!" chamber officials wrote. "Let's show them a warm Mahomet welcome!"
CU Glass Connection, located at 307 S. Neil St. in Champaign, has announced that it will be closing permanently at the end of the month. Until then, the shop will be open with limited hours and offer going-out-of-business sales.
The shop offers "high quality functional glass art and accessories," including a variety of paraphernalia.
Owner Owen Serpetis attributed the closure to "economic difficulties and a sharp downturn in business over the past few years," as well as an "oversaturated market."
He added that would-be customers have to prioritize expenses such as gas and food, and there isn't a lot of room leftover in their budget for non-essential products.
Grand Prairie Friends (GPF) has received national accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. According to GPF, the certification demonstrates commitment to "professional excellence" and maintaining public trust.
GPF is a nonprofit conservation land trust that owns and stewards over 1,100 acres of natural lands throughout Coles, Shelby, Champaign, Vermilion, Iroquois and Ford counties.
"For the last three years, GPF Board of Directors and staff worked through the rigorous process of earning national accreditation to achieve the highest standards in land management, transactions and financial stability," said Executive Director Sarah Livesay. "As a non-profit conservation land trust, GPF is not a taxing body; we depend on the generosity of donors, members and volunteers to help us protect, preserve and promote natural areas in the communities we serve."
The nonprofit said that accreditation will help them access "new funding opportunities, grants and programs."
The organization is one of nine accredited land trusts in the state and the only one outside of Chicago, Macomb or St. Louis.
"It is exciting to recognize Grand Prairie Friends with this national mark of distinction," said Melissa Kalvestrand, executive director of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. "Donors and partners can trust the more than 450 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship."
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Fox Sports
5 days ago
- Fox Sports
Top 25 college athletes with highest NIL valuations
The complicated, frustrating and often murky world of NIL (name, image and likeness) has touched every corner of college sports. From college football and basketball to gymnastics and softball, the landscape of college athletics drastically changed four years ago when the NCAA changed rules to allow student athletes to profit from NIL. Names like Shedeur Sanders, Bronny James and Livvy Dunne topped the charts when it comes to NIL valuations in the past. In fact, we got a sense of how much money Cooper Flagg agreed to in NIL endorsements during his one year at Duke recently, as he's expected to become the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. As the summer approaches, we're one step closer to the 2025-26 academic year, and there's a new crop of athletes topping the NIL charts. Remember, NIL deals are not solely dependent on athletic performance on the field. Sanders, who had a reported $4.7 million valuation last year — the highest among college football players — was not a Heisman Trophy finalist and went on to be a fifth-round pick of the Cleveland Browns. Arch Manning, who had the second-highest reported NIL valuation heading into last year's college football season at $3.8 million, had not started a college game before last season. With that, here is a look at the top 25 college athletes with the highest NIL valuations heading into the 2025-26 academic year. *NIL valuations are from which calculates the optimized NIL opportunity for athletes relative to the overall NIL market and projects outcomes over the next 12 months. 1. Texas QB Arch Manning ($6.8 million) Manning instantly became one of the most-valued athletes in college sports the moment he stepped foot on campus in Austin, Texas in 2023, holding a $3.8 million NIL valuation at the time. Manning has reportedly inked deals or partnered with EA Sports, Red Bull, Uber and Vuori as he prepares for his first full season as Texas' starting quarterback. While Manning is the highest-valued NIL athlete in college sports, he doesn't take any money from Texas' NIL collective, the Houston Chronicle previously reported. 2. Miami (Fla.) QB Carson Beck ($4.3 million) Beck initially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft this offseason before surprisingly transferring to Miami. It was rumored that Beck received $3 to $4 million from Miami's NIL collective to make the move to South Florida, moving on from Georgia after he helped the Bulldogs win the SEC title in 2024. According to On3, Beck has inked 11 deals and partnerships over his college career, with Chipotle, Beats By Dre and Powerade headlining the notable brands. 3. Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith ($4.2 million) Following a standout freshman season, Smith shot up the board as one of the most valuable players in college sports. He was recently unveiled as a co-cover star athlete for "College Football 26," adding to the list of notable endorsement deals he has secured. He has reported deals with American Eagle, Lululemon, Red Bull and Nintendo, among others. Smith also agreed to a local car dealership deal — which appeared to gift him a new Mercedes — in May. Before he even steps on the court in Provo, Utah, Dybantsa is already one of the highest-valued players in college sports with reported deals with Nike and Red Bull. It was reported at the time of his commitment that he secured a deal worth around $7 million, giving one of the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft a significant payday. 5. LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier ($3.7 million) Nussmeier opted to forgo early entry into the 2025 NFL Draft, making him one of the top prospects in 2026. Set to enter his second season as LSU's starter, Nussmeier has multiple reported NIL deals and partnerships, including Powerade and EA Sports, among others. 6. South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers ($3.7 million) Sellers was one of the SEC's breakout stars in 2024, winning the conference's Offensive Freshman of the Year Award. He has reportedly secured NIL deals with Collegiate Legends and Cheez-It, and another strong year could help him continue to climb this list. 7. Florida QB DJ Lagway ($3.7 million) Similar to Sellers, Lagway was also a breakout star in 2024. He went 6-1 in the seven starts he made as a true freshman, helping Florida turn its season around. He has reportedly earned an NIL deal with Nintendo since the end of the season, while Gatorade has featured him in a commercial, as he agreed to a deal with the iconic brand before his freshman year. Lagway certainly seems to be a candidate to be No. 1 on this list next year if Manning declares for the draft. 8. Clemson QB Cade Klubnik ($3.4 million) Klubnik, who FOX Sports lead college football analyst Joel Klatt recently named as his top quarterback for the 2025 season, is entering his third year as Clemson's starter. He led the Tigers to an ACC title last season and reportedly has existing NIL deals with Rhoback and ONIT, among others. 9. Penn State QB Drew Allar ($3.1 million) Allar turned down early entry into the 2025 NFL Draft despite speculation he could be an early-round pick. According to On3, Allar hasn't logged any new NIL deals since he helped Penn State reach the CFP last season. However, he reportedly has pre-existing deals with Bose and Frosted Flakes. 10. Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt ($3.1 million) Leavitt only has a pair of reported NIL endorsement deals, agreeing to partnerships with Jones Ford Verde Valley and Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, but he also agreed to a deal with Arizona State's NIL collective in January, shutting down transfer rumors. 11. Michigan QB Bryce Underwood ($3 million) After dealing with struggles at quarterback during the 2024 season, Michigan made Underwood a reported offer through its NIL collective worth $10.5 million over four years to get him to flip his commitment from LSU to the Wolverines. Underwood, ranked as the top quarterback recruit in the Class of 2025, wound up flipping his commitment to remain in his home state of Michigan. 12. Texas Tech F JT Toppin ($2.8 million) Toppin has the highest NIL valuation among returning college basketball players this upcoming year. It was reported that Toppin is expected to earn $4 million in NIL after forgoing entry into the 2025 NBA Draft. Toppin won Big 12 Player of the Year and was named a second-team All-American after scoring 18.2 points per game in the 2024-25 season. 13. Duke QB Darian Mensah ($2.8 million) Duke landed Mensah in the transfer portal after he had a strong first season as Tulane's starting quarterback (2,723 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, six interceptions) in 2024. It was reported that Mensah earned an $8 million deal from Duke's NIL collective to transfer to the school in December 2024. 14. Oklahoma QB John Mateer ($2.7 million) Mateer is also among the list of the most valuable college athletes after transferring from Washington State to Oklahoma this offseason. Klatt recently ranked him as his third-best quarterback for the 2025 season after he threw for 3,139 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions to go with 826 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. 15. Alabama WR Ryan Williams ($2.7 million) The other co-cover star athlete of "College Football 26" is among the most valuable athletes in college sports for 2025-26. Williams emerged as one of the best receivers as a 17-year-old freshman in 2024, recording 865 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns. Williams also has a pretty diverse list of NIL endorsement deals as well, reportedly securing partnerships with Uber Eats, Hollister and Sally Hansen. 16. TCU QB Josh Hoover ($2.4 million) Hoover doesn't have any listed NIL brand deals on On3 beyond the one he has with TCU's NIL collective. However, after his strong 2024 season (3,949 yards, 27 touchdowns, 11 interceptions), he could've earned more this offseason. Tennessee offered Hoover roughly $1 million more in NIL money than what he's currently receiving at TCU, which is at least seven figures, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported in April . 17. Ohio State S Caleb Downs ($2.4 million) Ohio State has two of the highest-valued non-quarterbacks in college football entering the 2025 season. Downs, who is arguably the best defensive player in the nation (81 total tackles, two interceptions in 2024), has a few reported NIL brand deals, highlighted by partnerships with Panini, Beats by Dre and American Eagle. He also signed an NIL deal with Ohio State's collective, The Foundation, when he transferred from Alabama following Nick Saban's retirement in 2024. 18. North Carolina State QB CJ Bailey ($2.3 million) Bailey doesn't have any known NIL deals with brands, but he signed a new deal with NC State's collective, One Pack, in December 2024 to remain in Raleigh, North Carolina. That deal helped ensure Bailey wouldn't transfer after he scored 22 total touchdowns to go with 2,413 passing yards as a true freshman in 2024. 19. Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola ($2.3 million) Following a wild recruiting process that saw him commit to two schools before landing at Nebraska in 2024, Raiola has earned a few NIL deals with notable brands. He reportedly signed a deal with Panini right after he committed to Nebraska in December 2023, before signing a deal with Campus Ink early in his freshman season. He reportedly signed an endorsement deal with Adidas in April, following in the footsteps of his idol, Patrick Mahomes. He also has a deal with Nebraska's NIL collective, 1890. 20. Michigan F Yaxel Lendeborg ($2.3 million) Lendeborg announced he was transferring from UAB to Michigan in April, but he wasn't fully committed to the Wolverines until he removed his name from the 2025 NBA Draft in May. The top-ranked player in the transfer portal this offseason by 247 Sports, Lendeborg received an NIL package believed to be in the neighborhood of $3 million to return to school, CBS Sports previously reported. Lendeborg was viewed as a potential first-round pick prior to his decision to remove his name from the 2025 NBA Draft, as he was named first-team All-AAC the past two seasons. 21. Arkansas QB Taylen Green ($2.1 million) Green earned a few endorsement deals with local companies during his time at Boise State before he transferred to Arkansas ahead of the 2024 season. After transferring, he reportedly signed a deal with the school's NIL collective, Arkansas Edge. It's unclear how much that deal is worth, but the collective helped Green land an endorsement deal with a local car dealership in 2024, which landed him a Ram 1500 truck. 22. Florida G Boogie Fland ($2.1 million) Similar to Lendeborg, Fland was one of the top players in the transfer portal this offseason but also declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. He removed his name from the draft in May, while simultaneously announcing his transfer from Arkansas to Florida. The defending champion's NIL collective reportedly gave Fland a package worth over $2 million, according to CBS Sports. 23. UCLA G Donovan Dent ($2 million) Dent, who won Mountain West Player of the Year at New Mexico this past season, reportedly received a $3 million NIL deal to transfer to UCLA in March, according to The Santa Fe New Mexican. He received $2 million of that deal up front, while he'll earn the other $1 million during the 2025-26 season. 24. UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava ($2 million) Iameleava arguably became the face of the NIL debate this offseason. He transferred out of Tennessee after the program reportedly denied his request for a pay raise from its NIL collective, seeking $4 million annually. He wound up at UCLA, agreeing to an NIL deal rumored to be in the $1.5 million range, according to Front Office Sports. That's actually a pay decrease from what he was getting at Tennessee, as he was set to earn $2.4 million from the Vols' collective in 2025, per ESPN. Iamaleava was also one of 11 college football players to sign a deal with Beats by Dre ahead of the 2024 season. 25. Auburn QB Jackson Arnold ($2 million) Arnold was among the handful of quarterback transfers who reportedly earned a multi-million-dollar payday this offseason. It has been rumored that Arnold received a deal worth at least $2 million to transfer from Oklahoma, which got a laugh out of former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron. Arnold finished the year with 1,421 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns, three interceptions, 444 rushing yards and three rushing scores. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily. recommended Get more from College Football Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia $485+ Mn Energy Drink Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2030F: Health Awareness Drive Expansion, Sustainable Packaging Gains Traction as Consumer Demand Rises
Opportunities in Saudi Arabia's energy drink market stem from rising health awareness, urbanization, and social media influence. As busy lifestyles elevate demand for energy-boosting drinks, increased disposable income and government support for fitness amplify market growth. Emphasizing sustainable packaging attracts eco-conscious consumers. Saudi Arabian Energy Drink Market Dublin, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Energy Drink Market by Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" has been added to Saudi Arabia Energy Drink Market was valued at USD 398.41 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 486.11 Million by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 3.37% Market expansion is fueled by increased awareness of health and wellness, leading consumers to seek functional beverages that offer energy and mental alertness. As urbanization progresses and lifestyles grow busier, demand for portable, energy-boosting solutions continues to rise. The market also benefits from the influence of social media and digital campaigns that resonate strongly with younger demographics. A surge in disposable income is enabling greater consumer spending on premium and branded energy drinks. Furthermore, the government's backing of fitness culture and sports events has heightened interest in performance-enhancing beverages among active individuals. These combined dynamics are shaping a resilient and steadily growing market landscape across the Kingdom. Key Market Drivers: Rising Working Population Coupled with Their Hectic Schedules The expanding working population in Saudi Arabia, which accounts for approximately 73.2% of the total population as of 2024, is a key driver of energy drink consumption. As more individuals engage in full-time employment and juggle increasingly demanding routines, the need for quick energy-boosting options has grown. Energy drinks are increasingly seen as a practical solution for professionals in sectors such as healthcare, education, and corporate offices who seek enhanced focus and reduced fatigue throughout their workday. The rise of dual-income households and the growing participation of women in the workforce have further strengthened demand for convenient and functional beverages. Energy drinks have become integral to helping busy individuals sustain energy levels and maintain productivity in fast-paced environments, solidifying their role in daily routines. Key Market Challenges: Intense Competition Among Major Players The Saudi energy drink market faces heightened competitive pressures due to the presence of established international brands and emerging local players. Global giants like Red Bull and Monster compete alongside regional favorites such as Power Horse and Bison, creating a crowded marketplace. Private label and budget-friendly alternatives appeal to cost-conscious consumers, adding further complexity. Price competition and similar product offerings make it challenging for brands to achieve differentiation and retain customer loyalty. In addition, government regulations - such as restrictions on energy drink marketing and sponsorship - limit promotional opportunities and brand visibility, especially for foreign companies reliant on aggressive marketing. These dynamics compel manufacturers to innovate, adapt, and invest in strategic distribution to stay competitive and maintain market share. Key Market Trends: Increased Focus on Sustainable Packaging A growing trend in Saudi Arabia's energy drink market is the transition to sustainable packaging. Environmentally conscious consumers are driving demand for eco-friendly alternatives, encouraging manufacturers to adopt recyclable and reduced-plastic packaging formats. Research shows that a majority of consumers are more inclined to purchase products with environmentally responsible packaging. As a result, companies like Tetra Pak are introducing plant-based packaging and supporting local recycling initiatives to align with sustainability goals. This focus on green packaging not only meets consumer expectations but also supports the Kingdom's broader environmental and circular economy initiatives. Energy drink brands that prioritize sustainability are better positioned to win consumer trust and build long-term brand equity. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 82 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $398.41 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $486.11 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.3% Regions Covered Saudi Arabia Report Scope Key Players Profiled in this Saudi Arabia Energy Drink Market Report: PepsiCo, Inc. Monster Energy Company Taisho Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd Amway Corporation Nestle S.A. Coca-Cola HBC AG Monarch Beverages Hell Energy Celsius Zoa Energy, LLC Saudi Arabia Energy Drink Market, by Type: Organic Non-Organic Natural Saudi Arabia Energy Drink Market, by Target Consumers: Teenagers Adults Geriatric Population Saudi Arabia Energy Drink Market, by Distribution Channel: Store-Based Non-Store Based Saudi Arabia Energy Drink Market, by Region: Eastern Western Northern & Central Southern For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Saudi Arabian Energy Drink Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Yahoo
A guide to multi-club ownership: How does it work?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Red Bull-related clubs Leeds United (top-left), Salzburg (top-right), Leipzig (bottom-left) and New York (bottom-right). | Credit: Future Multi-club ownership is increasingly common in football, with plenty of big-money owners splashing out to take control of several clubs around the world. Advertisement Take Red Bull, for instance. They have varying stakes in Leeds United, FC Liefering, New York Red Bulls, Paris FC, RB Leipzig, TV Omiya Ardija, Red Bull Bragantino and Red Bull Salzburg. Several English clubs are part of similar models to different degrees, including Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and… well, loads more, including down in the lower leagues. So what are the rules on multi-club ownership? Can you own two clubs in the same league? Sir Jim Ratcliffe was linked with buying Chelsea before he bought Manchester United – and he certainly couldn't buy the Blues now | Credit: Getty Images Not in England you can't, certainly not at Premier League and EFL level. The EFL Owners and Directors' Test will automatically disqualify directors who hold an 'interest' in more than one club within the EFL, while the Premier League's own rules say that 'no Person may either directly or indirectly be involved in or have any power to determine or influence the management or administration of more than one [Premier League] Club.' Advertisement While that only applies within each league, the FA have an overarching rule with the same wording as the Premier League that applies to the entire English football pyramid. There is some suggestion that one person/company could own a stake of less than 25%, which would not represent significant control of any one club. That's a higher threshold than is set by UEFA; their rules mean a majority owner of one club could have a less than 50 per cent stake in another club playing in the same competition. That's the lowest bar available, though, and it's up to individual countries' FA to decide if they want to be stricter. Can two clubs from the same ownership compete in Europe? Girona's participation in Europe asked questions of UEFA | Credit: Getty Images This increasingly contentious issue came to a head in 2024 after Girona qualified for the Champions League and Nice qualified for the Europa League. Advertisement The issue was the Girona are part of the City Football Group alongside Manchester City, who also qualified for the Champions League. Manchester United meanwhile joined Nice in the Europa League; both clubs are at least part-owned by INEOS, headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. UEFA ultimately decided that each pair of clubs could compete in the same continental competition as long as: No one is simultaneously involved, directly or indirectly, in any capacity whatsoever in the management, administration and/or sporting performance of more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition; and No one has control or decisive influence over more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition. Essentially, then, no one person can be involved in the running or decision-making of two or more clubs within a single UEFA competition. City Football Group and INEOS swiftly made sure they were in line with that, and all four clubs were permitted entry to their respective competitions. That's why Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis recently officially ceased to be a 'person of significant control' at the club. Advertisement Forest could potentially end up qualifying for either the Champions League or Europa League with Greek side Olympiacos next season. They're also owned by Marinakis, and so he had to officially step away from Forest to ensure they didn't run into any trouble should that occur. On top of that, clubs in that kind of situation have to apply to UEFA to get the all-clear to proceed into competition against one another. For 2024/25, UEFA allowed clubs to transfer the club to an 'independent third party', like a blind trust, which would be appointed to look out for the interests of that club only, without any consideration for the wider ownership group. Do clubs from the same ownership share resources? City are part of a much bigger network | Credit: Getty Images As far as we can tell, there's nothing to stop them from sharing scouting info and things like that as long as they're not in the same European competition as one another. Advertisement UEFA are keen to ensure that clubs remain independent from one another. To that end, they got a commitment from City Football Group and INEOS that they would not transfer players to one another until September 2025, nor would they 'conclude any kind of cooperation, joint technical or commercial agreements between each other' or 'use any joint scouting or player database'. It seems likely that they would ask for a similar commitment from any other clubs who face a similar situation in future. What's to stop clubs from the same ownership transferring players to each other for free? Red Bull players have often moved between clubs | Credit:Three words: 'associated party transactions'. Advertisement In the Premier League, the rules say that any transfers between 'associated parties' (i.e. clubs within the same ownership group) need to be assessed by the Premier League first to see whether they represent 'fair market value'. What that means is a judgement call for the Premier League assessors, but they could put a halt to any proposed transfer that was 'evidently not' at fair market value. We're not sure it would really be in clubs' interests to try and fiddle it that way, anyway. Each league has its own version of the Premier League's Profit & Sustainability Rules that need to be met. In their current form, both clubs would generally be better off just doing trades between themselves at 'fair market value' anyway, for boring accounting reasons that we won't get into here.
