Nik Bhakta - Principal of CMG Companies
                     Nik Bhakta - Principal of CMG Companies
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 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 Bhakta 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. 
International Franchise Association Name
s Franchisee of the Year Recipients 
SAN DIEGO – The International Franchise Association 
(IFA) today announced 57 recipients of its Franchisee of 
the Year Awards, representing companies across all 
industries from communities around the country. 
Honored at IFA’s 62nd Annual Convention in San Diego, 
Calif., the award recognizes outstanding franchise 
establishment owner-operators. “Franchisee of the Year 
Awards are the highest honors presented to individual 
franchisees,” said Matthew Haller, President and CEO of 
the International Franchise Association.
Reference Links
Genghis Grill - Nik Bhakta
Nik Bhakta Principal at CMG Companies
Nik Bhakta: Co-founder of CMG Companies
Chalak Mitra Group of Companies - Nik Bhakta