Something About Company
sbe (stylized lowercase) is a Los Angeles–based lifestyle hospitality and entertainment group founded by Sam Nazarian; in 2020 Accor took full ownership of sbe’s hotel asset‑light brands (Delano, Mondrian, SLS, Hyde) and many F&B concepts, while sbe continues to operate and develop new hospitality, dining, nightlife and wellness projects (notably HQ Hotels & The Estate).
Quick facts
- Founded / CEO: Sam Nazarian; sbe is known for lifestyle hotels, restaurants, lounges and nightclubs. sbe remains an active operator and brand incubator.
- Major 2018–2020 transactions: Accor acquired a stake in sbe in 2018 and then took full ownership of sbe’s hotel asset‑light business and many F&B brands in November 2020.
- Current strategic focus for sbe: new hotel concepts (HQ Hotels & The Estate), F&B, nightlife and wellness/residences with partners.
Brand / asset snapshot (concise)
| Brand | Category | Current owner / operator | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delano | Hotel | Accor (hotel brands acquired) | Part of Accor’s lifestyle platform after 2020 deal. |
| Mondrian | Hotel | Accor | Included in Accor takeover; pipeline properties existed pre‑2021. |
| SLS | Hotel | Accor | SLS brand hotels transferred to Accor; SLS Dubai was in pipeline. |
| Hyde | Hotel / Nightlife | Accor | Hotel brand included in the transaction. |
| Cleo / Carna / Fili’a | Restaurants / F&B | Mostly transferred to Accor | Accor took most F&B brands as part of the deal. |
| HQ Hotels & The Estate | New hotel/residential concepts | sbe (relaunch/partnerships) | sbe is re‑entering hotels with HQ Hotels (Wyndham alliance) and The Estate (longevity/wellness focus). |
What this means for Dubai / Business Bay context
- If you’re in Dubai (Business Bay): sbe’s legacy brands (SLS, Mondrian) have had planned openings in the Middle East; however, hotel operations and brand management are now under Accor, so bookings, loyalty and development inquiries for those brands route through Accor’s channels.
- sbe still develops F&B and nightlife concepts globally and is launching new hotel/residence concepts that may seek regional partners or franchise/license deals.
Risks, trade‑offs, and practical notes
- Brand fragmentation: some venues still carry sbe DNA but are now operated by Accor — check operator before negotiating development or franchise deals.
- Licensing vs. ownership: Accor’s acquisition created a split between legacy sbe brands and sbe’s current pipeline; confirm who holds brand rights for any market you target.
- Market timing: sbe’s new concepts (The Estate, HQ) are strategic and may target premium or wellness niches — expect longer lead times and partner requirements.
