Latest news with #ChrisHerschend
CBS News
27-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Kennywood officially acquired by Dollywood's parent company
Kennywood and Dollywood are now owned by the same company. Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation finalized its acquisition of Palace Entertainment's 24 U.S. attractions, including Kennywood, Sandcastle and Idlewild & SoakZone. The company now employs 22,000 people and operates 49 properties that attract nearly 20 million guests each year. "Our purpose has carried us through both bright seasons and challenging ones—and it will continue to guide us as we move into this next chapter," Chris Herschend, a board chair and third-generation owner, said in a news release. "We're focused on doing what's right for the business, our hosts, and the communities we're honored to be part of. This process will take time, and we know we will not get everything perfect, but we are committed to listening, communicating and continuously improving." Herschend says this season will be about "listening, learning, and building relationships." Guests can expect the same from Kennywood and other parks as Herschend focuses on its employees first. Herschend says it's the largest family-held themed attractions company. Kennywood was a family business for more than 100 years until Palace Entertainment bought it in 2007. After that deal, the park got rid of rides like the Turnpike and Log Jammer to make way for attractions like the Sky Rocket and Steel Curtain. After the Herschend deal was announced in March, many Pittsburghers expressed hope for the park's future. They said they hope the new owners move the park forward while still keeping some of its historic Pittsburgh charm.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
3 popular New England attractions under new ownership
(WPRI) — Several longstanding New England attractions, including Story Land and Lake Compounce, have changed hands. Herschend announced earlier this month that it is acquiring 20 entertainment properties from Palace Entertainment. The 20 entertainment properties, which include amusement parks, water parks, campgrounds and hotels, are located in the United States. Parques Reunidos, Palace Entertainment's parent company, opted to sell the properties so it can focus on its core European market. 'We look forward to building upon the strong foundation that Palace Entertainment has created and welcoming these properties and hosts into the Herschend family of brands,' Herschend CEO Andrew Wexler said. 'The teams at these parks have done an incredible job building beloved destinations in their communities, and we look forward to learning from them, growing together, and building on their success.' 'This is an exciting opportunity for all of us to continue creating exceptional experiences for guests and meaningful opportunities for our teams,' he continued. Herschend is taking ownership of several historic New England attractions, including New Hampshire's Story Land and Water Country, as well as Connecticut's Lake Compounce. 'Being a family business for 75 years has given us a deep understanding of what makes properties like these special—not just the rides and attractions, but the people who pour their hearts into them every day,' said Chris Herschend, chairman of Herschend's Board of Directors. 'These historic and beloved properties have been family traditions for generations, and we are honored to help carry that legacy forward.' The New England attractions Herschend is acquiring have been entertaining families for generations. Story Land and Water Country both celebrated their 70th and 40th anniversaries respectively, and Lake Compounce, which opened in 1846, is the oldest continuously operated amusement park in the country. No immediate changes are in the works for any of the entertainment properties, though enhancements to each one will be explored over the coming months. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
26-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Story Land and other New England attractions are being sold to new owners
Story Land and Water Country are among a handful of New England attractions being sold to a new owner. Palace Entertainment, which owns the New Hampshire parks, is selling all of its 20-plus U.S. properties to Herschend, a North American company that operates Dollywood and other attractions that cater to families. Palace owns Story Land in Glen and the Living Shores Aquarium next door, as well as Water Country in Portsmouth and Lake Compounce, an amusement and water park in Bristol, Connecticut. Palace is selling its U.S. businesses so its parent company can focus on the European market, a press release stated. "These historic and beloved properties have been family traditions for generations, and we are honored to help carry that legacy forward," Herschend board chair Chris Herschend said in the statement. The new owners say they are committed to a "smooth transition" for employees and visitors and say "no immediate changes are planned for daily operations." In the coming months, the company says it will be "exploring enhancements" to its new parks and pledged to be "proactively communicating with employees, guests, and local communities as the transition progresses." Story Land opened in 1954 and has more than 30 attractions, rides and shows. It will open for the season on May 24. Water Country, which bills itself as New England's largest water park, has been in business for more than 40 years and will open this year on June 7.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dollywood owners to acquire entertainment venues in 10 states
KNOXVILE, Tenn. (WATE) — Dollywood's owner, Herscend Family Entertainment has signed an agreement that will acquire all of Palace Entertainment's U.S. entertainment properties, including Kennywood and more than 20 other venues across 10 states. Herschend announced the acquisition on Monday, saying the expansion is supporting the company's expansion in family entertainment and hospitality. Parques Reunidos, which owned Palace Entertainment, made the decision to allow Herschend to acquire the company's U.S. properties as it works to reinforce its strategic focus on its European market. Knoxville Smokies individual game tickets go on sale Palace Entertainment's properties include more than 20 entertainment venues in 10 states, such as: Kennywood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania Cartoon Network Hotel in Pennsylvania Lake Compounce in Connecticut Noah's Ark Waterpark in Lake Delton, Wisconsin Castle Park in Riverside, California Adventureland Resort in Iowa 'Being a family business for 75 years has given us a deep understanding of what makes properties like these special—not just the rides and attractions, but the people who pour their hearts into them every day,' said Herschend's Board Chair, Chris Herschend. 'These historic and beloved properties have been family traditions for generations, and we are honored to help carry that legacy forward.' Woman to receive $71K after Knox County publishes mugshot of her without hijab In addition to Dollywood Parks and Resorts and the newly acquired venues, Herschend also owns the Solver Dolly City Parks and Resorts in Branson, Missouri, the Harlem Globetrotters, and the Kentucky Kingdom Theme Park and Water Park in Louisville, Kentucky. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
