By Jimmy Hoffa, III, Public Relations Director
Atlanta Smack Daddies Football ClubNASHVILLE — In a surprising and dramatic series of announcements at a press conference this morning outside the NFFA Tower, mercurial Atlanta SmackDaddy owner Lex Dominica and team president Tony Soprano, fresh off the team’s third NFFA title, have decided it’s the perfect time to expand the footprint of the organization and build equity in one of the empire’s most beloved brands.
In only the third time the two have ever been photographed together in public, Dominica announced he had recently awarded Soprano a substantial share in the franchise for what Dominica called Soprano’s “bold and unwavering commitment to the betterment and of the organization. “ As a beaming team president Tony Soprano looked on, Dominica went on to say that through the efforts of Soprano, Atlanta SmackDaddies Football Club, LLC had reached a “gentleman’s agreement” to purchase controlling interest in the Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores.
“We have decided to use this opportunity to expand our Bada Bing brand in many of the more than 600 locations in 42 states, “Dominica said. “We are presently working on a transition plan with the company. “ He also added a final decision hasn’t been made concerning our marketing and reintroduction of the stores.
“I must say the management at Cracker Barrel has bent over backwards to make this deal come to fruition. Tony was influential in getting the Cracker Barrel folks to see the vision and practically run to the table to sign off on this deal. I don’t know how he does it. I sometimes think he can read people’s minds.” he added.
Soprano said he shared his vision with Dominica two weeks ago after hearing Cracker Barrel investors were not happy with the book-keeping practices of the Lebanon, Tennessee based company.
“I thought this was a marriage made in heaven,” Soprano said. “They needed help with the books and we needed to get the Bing closer to all our many fans and customers, he said.”I mean who doesn’t like all them trinkets and things when you walk in the door? I especially like those root beer stick candies, except they stick to my teeth” he added.
“We’re gonna replace the country cooking in the back with something a little more spicy,” Soprano said with a wink. But we’re gonna keep the biscuits. Everybody likes the biscuits. It’s gonna be like Pussy’s hairdo," Soprano added. “It’s all business in the front, but there’s a party in the back.”
At that point, Dominica brought the focus back to the NFFA and the Atlanta Smack Daddies.
“It is with great relief that we announce we’ve agreed to relinquish control of the league offices back to the Commissioner, Dominica said. “After a fact finding trip with our security officer, Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero to see how the organization handles security issues, the Commissioner agreed to tightened security here at the NFFA Tower,” Dominica said.
Soprano then passed out copies of what he said was an agreement signed by the league’s commissioner. “We have graciously offered our services to revamp NFFA security protocol for $1 a year and an option to open the Bada Bing Dance School right here in the NFFA Tower.” Dominica said. “We’re also handling waste management services for the entire building at a special rate,” he said. “The Commissioner agreed he’d be a fool not to take our offer.”
When questioned about the team’s ability to defend the title with a revamped roster, Soprano said the team is ready to kick-off the new year. He said the organization has quietly worked behind the scenes to put a championship caliber team together, He then directed the media’s attention to the steps where he introduced former Atlanta Mayor, and current Smack Daddies CFO Bill Campbell.
“Through the continued efforts of the Atlanta Smack Daddies and the City of Atlanta, I can finally announce the planned creation of a technological and engineering marvel,” Campbell said. ‘Today, we announce the construction of our very own Bada Bing Stadium and entertainment mecca at the former sight of Underground Atlanta.”
Designed in a joint venture by HOK Sport Architecture and New Jersey based Luchese Design and Code Consultants. The 65,000 seat venue also houses three stadium clubs, five gift shops, a shooting range and a video arcade. The stadium will be capped by a 125,000 square foot Bada Bing dance club. The stadium will be connected to the new BING Casino and Resort by two 12-lane walking sidewalks. It will be one of the world’s largest all cement endeavors.
Campbell went on to say the club had sold naming rights to the Bada Bing entertainment arm of the organization for an undisclosed sum. ‘We thought it was only appropriate the SmackDaddies play our games at what we affectionately refer to as “The Bing”. “This falls in line with our concerted effort to enhance the Bada Bing brand and at the same time, give something back to the city of Atlanta. “While we’ve enjoyed our time at the Maynard Jackson Municipal Stadium, it is time the organization takes a real stranglehold of the community.”
When pushed for an answer to how the entertainment extravaganza would be funded, Campbell directed all media questions to Soprano. “I’ll let you take that up with him,” Campbell said.
Dominica said a planned unveiling of the stadium and entertainment mecca would be held at a future date.
“We’re leaving that event up to our Community Outreach executive Mr. Alge Crumpler,” the owner said. “He wanted to show off today but we thought it best for him to keep it under wraps for a later date. We didn’t want to draw away from these significant developments.”
