Jay Z Opens Restaurant/Club in London With Ashley Cole

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Jay-Z is combining business, pleasure and charity. The rap mogul is opening the 40/40 London, a club and restaurant that’s a partnership between himself and soccer star Ashley Cole, ex-husband of singer Cheryl Cole.

"London is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world and the perfect location for our new venue," Jay-Z said in a statement. “I'm excited about working with Ashley and NVA Entertainment Group on a range of new projects and The 40/40 London is going to be the hottest place in town.”

The establishment will give first option on jobs to unemployed young people. And a percentage of profits will go to local youth charities for music and sports in deprived communities. The 40/40 clubs have all the ambience of a swanky lounge but are also sports bars. The menu at the London establishment will be all-American cuisine.

Cole said in a statement:

"I am delighted to be working with Jay Z. I have grown up listening to his music and now to be doing business with him is amazing and the projects we do will be delivering much needed funds back into sport and music on a local community level as well as helping talented young people get back to work.”

The grand opening is set to be held in 2012. Jay-Z has 40/40 restaurants in New York, Las Vegas Atlantic City, Chicago, and Dallas. He’s set to open restaurants in Tokyo and China this year.