Started in Jupiter, FL in 1988 by husband and wife team Jack and Claire Miller, Miller's Ale House is a sports-themed full service restaurant that offers an extensive menu of freshly prepared food and top-quality drinks. This outlook helps makes Roark successful, says Lex Lane, Wingstop franchisee and vice president and business development officer at United Capital Business Lending in suburban Baltimore. Founded in 2001, Roark Capital Group is a private equity firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. [17] The acquisition was completed on December 7, 2018. Through its ownership of Fox Restaurant Group, a concept incubator, it also holds the rights to develop Flower Child, Culinary Dropout, Fly Bye and a host of other small brands. Driven manages a family of automotive brands including ABRA, CARSTAR, Maaco, Meineke, Take 5, Uniban, 1-800 Radiator, and others. Buffalo Wild Wings is the largest sports bar chain in the U.S., featuring an immersive sports restaurant experience and a variety of boldly flavored menu items, including buffalo-style chicken wings spun in over 20 signature sauces and seasonings. There hadnt been a new flavor in five years or a new product in eight. Roark Capital Group , an Atlanta-based private equity firm, acquired Miller's Ale House, a growing casual dining restaurant chain, from owners Jack Miller, KarpReilly and SKM Equity Fund III. Roark focuses on franchised and multi-unit business models in the retail, restaurant, consumer and business services sectors. Anytime Fitness is the largest fitness franchise in the world, with gym facilities open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Inspire operates Support Centers in Atlanta, Oklahoma City, Champaign, Minneapolis, and Canton, Massachusetts. To help with Arbys, two industry prosJon Luther, Dunkin Brands chairman, and former Yorkshire Global Restaurants CEO Sid Feltensteinwere added as independent directors on Arbys board. CKE is one of the world's largest franchisors and operators of quick-service restaurants under the Carls Jr. and Hardees brand banners. Roark Capital is an Atlanta-based private equity firm. Founded in 2006, Streamline Brands is a leading franchisor and Nov 2009 - Dec 202213 years 2 months. Phone (404) 591-5200 Schlotzsky's is a chain of quick casual restaurants offering made-to-order sandwiches, soups, salads and pizza. Content warning: This article covers allegations of sexual assault. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. It comes down to a few basic principles treat everyone the way you want to be treated, always do what you say, and always do what is right and long-term smart regardless of conventional wisdom, even when its really hard and when no one is looking. Here's What It Said, Supporting New Restaurant Franchisees, By Experience Level, The Power of Transformation in the Restaurant World, Fast-Food Chains Turn Focus to Better In-App Experiences, How to Effectively Market a Restaurant Anniversary. Who owns Miller's Ale House? Since inception, affiliates of Roark have invested in 92 franchise/multi-location brands which generate approximately $54 billion in annual system revenues from 63,000 locations in 50 states and . While the firm has not sold any of its restaurant companies yet, that time will come. Weve been so busy we just havent had the time to put these up yet, says Neal Aronson, Roarks founder and managing partner, smiling down at the frames. For over 30 years, Culvers guests have been treated to cooked-to-order food made with farm-fresh ingredients, served with a smile. B-Dubs might be going private. Our greater purpose reminds us to appreciate who we work hard for each daywhen Roark does well, more kids go to college, more research gets done for curing disease and the people who protect our streets and teach our kids get a better life. Founded in 2006, Streamline Brands is a leading franchisor and Moe's Southwest Grill is the neighborhood burrito place offering flavorful Southwestern fare with a healthy twist. Affiliates of Roark Capital Group have sold the Dallas-based Corner Bakery Cafe brand to Pandya Restaurant Growth Brands LLC, the companies said Thursday. Roark focuses on middle market investment opportunities through family-owned business transfers, management and corporate buyouts . As a private equity company, we will need to, and will divest companies, Aronson says. Our business services investments have included Divisions Maintenance Group, Driven Brands,ServiceMaster Brands, Installation Made Easy, and previously Solterra Recycling Solutions, Batteries Plus Bulbs, CyberCore, FASTSIGNS, Money Mailer, Peachtree Business Products, PSC, Quala, Waste Pro, and GFL Environmental. Branson, MO 65616-2060. 540 Madison Ave In the multi-step deal spelled out in Mondays SEC filings, Roark will distribute 150,000 of its 200,000 preferred Cheesecake shares to three subsidiaries. Driven Brands is the largest automotive services company in North America. CARSTAR is the largest franchise network of automotive collision repair shops in North America. When Darden sold Red Lobster in 2014, it was to Golden Gate Capital, who also owned Romano's Macaroni Grill from 2008 to 2013. The new managers set about turning that around by refurbishing the stores and giving franchisees the OK to sell a product they wanted: Italian ice. At Roark, we believe the best way to create value is to form a close partnership with outstanding operating executives and a value-added Board of Directors. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning), Machine Tools, Metalworking and Metallurgy, Aboriginal, First Nations & Native American. FOCUS Brands is also the franchisor of Seattle's Best Coffee on certain military bases and in certain international markets. Most compete in the quick-service sector, far downmarket from Cheesecakes turf. Healthy Contributions helps employers, health insurers and partners engage and activate members to participate in wellness programs and reward healthy behaviors to change lives for better health. Anytime Fitness is the largest fitness franchise in the world, with gym facilities open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. GROUP. Now that you know who owns Wingstop, it probably doesn't come as a surprise that the original owner, Antonio Swad had been in the restaurant business since . Roark is now one of the largest holding companies in foodservice, with brands ranging from Auntie Annes to Sonic, Jimmy Johns, Arbys, Moes Southwest Grill, Schlotzskys, Carvel, 50% of Culvers, Millers Ale House and Rusty Taco. A massive private equity firm, Atlanta-based Roark owns varied franchise brands including Anytime Fitness and Massage Envy, along with Inspire Brands and Focus . Theres just one distinction: Two dozen black-framed notices of the private equity firms acquisitions dot the walls along the narrow sides of the room. Maintaining Automated Tests in TAF for V1 platform for API testing US Sports Camps offering spans 19 different physical sports, Esports, and academic programs for campers ranging from 6 to 18 years old. Private-equity firm Roark Capital Group, which owns Atkins, is gearing up to seek a buyer for the low-carbohydrate-diet pioneer, according to people familiar with the matter. Roark is an Atlantabased private equity firm with $33 billion in assets under management. Since inception, affiliates of Roark Capital have acquired 52 franchise/multi-unit brands, which generate $20 billion in annual system revenues from 22,000 locations in 50 states and 75 countries. SONIC is the largest drive-in chain in the United States, well-known for its unique drive-in format, carhop service model, and broad menu of food and beverages with over 1.3 million drink combinations. "We are actively expanding our footprint through the strategic acquisition of top-performing, complementary auto aftermarket services companies," said Jonathan Fitzpatrick, CEO of Driven Brands. NEW YORK OFFICE [9] On August 28, 2018, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal announced that Inspire was moving its headquarters to Sandy Springs, Georgia in 2019. The firm also provides the capital for operators to reach their goals. Lines and paragraphs break automatically. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Youth Enrichment Brands is a leading youth activities company, offering camps, leagues, clinics, classes and other programs that annually serve more than 700,000 kids ranging from 2 to 18 years old. Roarks strategy is to focus on a few industries and dive deeply into them, gaining knowledge and insight that is important to make acquisitions and providing expertise to its operating company managers, who typically hold an equity stake. Buffalo Wild Wings also owned the Rusty Taco chain. As chief financial officer at U.S. 1180 Peachtree Street NE Basecamp Fitness is a growing network of fitness studios featuring high-intensity and high-energy workout sessions. . Roark Capital Group Affiliates. Its pretty exciting to be part of helping people realize their dreams, Aronson says of franchising. Makers of industrial parts and telecom infrastructure providers play a crucial role in the economy, but you don't see their commercials on TV. Fax (404) 591-5201 The company, which was sold by Roark Capital Group to Pandya Restaurant Growth Brands in October 2020, has two locations in San Antonio, Texas. Stronger U is a digital, personalized nutrition-based health coaching services brand. The brand offers one of the most innovative and diverse menus in the quick-service restaurant industry, with more than 30 unique sandwiches and 8 different types of protein. Jimmy John's is one of the largest sandwich chains in the US. Phone (212) 806-6000 Roark also owns nearly a dozen non-eatery franchise businesses. 37th Floor The fast . 1-800 Radiator is the largest franchised automotive parts distributor in North America. Not knowing what to expect during the impending crisis, most restaurant companies scrambled to maximize their liquidity, fearful theyd have insufficient cash on hand to sustain operations as dining rooms were ordered to close and sales fell to a trickle. Get todays need-to-know restaurant industry intelligence. Known as 'America's Bodyshop', Maaco is a leading provider of auto painting and light collision repair services. It was founded by Jimmy John Liautaud in 1983 and is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. Romaniello and Hill say Arbys had started to turn around when Roark made the acquisition, but Aronson is more blunt in his assessment of the company, which was part of the Wendys/Arbys Group, led by investor Nelson Peltzs Triarc Co. Arbys was a messin menu, speed of service, cleanliness, physical box, focus, relationships, strategy, marketing, he says, ticking off the woes. Founded in 1988, U.S. Aronson will surrender 47,517 of the common shares to Cheesecake in exchange for $10.4 million in cash. Join the more than 1.5 million industry professionals who get our daily newsletter! Im not sure Id call ourselves experts at this point, but we certainly have a lot of years of study, learning about the industry and through our experiences.. Divisions Maintenance Group is a tech-based provider of integrated facilities maintenance services for prominent retail chains, pharmacies, grocery stores, warehouses, distribution centers, and REITs across more than 46,000 locations in all 50 states. | Roark is an Atlantabased private equity firm with $35 billion in assets under management. Please Driven Brands is the largest automotive services company in North America. ", Matt Kaelin, Managing Director at Roark, added, "We are looking forward to working with Mike Smith, Bill Derwin, and the rest of the management team to continue to build the business.". Lying on the carpet are two more frames, holding announcements for the latest purchases, Carls Jr. and Hardees, made last December in a deal valued at about $1.7 billion. There were four CEOs in six years, a problem Aronson blames on previous ownership. The Company provides a comprehensive suite of services primarily to retail, fleet, and industrial consumers. Orangetheory Fitness is one of the largest and fastest growing franchisors in the studio-based fitness market. Share Your Design Ideas, New JerseysMurphy Defends $10 Billion Rainy Day Fund as States Economy Slows, What Led to Europes Deadliest Train Crash in a Decade, This Week in Crypto: Ukraine War, Marathon Digital, FTX. [15], On August 16, 2018, The Wendy's Company announced that it sold its 12.3% stake in Inspire Brands back to the company for $450 million, which included a 38% premium over the stake's most recent valuation. Naf Naf Grill and an investor group bought out the minority ownership of Roark Capital. In October 2020, Pandya Restaurant Growth Brands, part of Rohan Group of Cos., owned by real estate investor and restaurant operator Jignesh Pandya of Newtown, Pennsylvania, acquired Corner Bakery . Roark managing partner Neal Aronson will retain control of a 4.6% stake. The securities filing states that Aronson will have the discretion to manage the shares as he sees fit. Driven Brands manages a family of automotive companies including Maaco, Meineke Car Care Centers, CARSTAR North America, 1-800 Radiator & A/C, which collectively generate annual system revenues of more than $2.1 billion. www.roarkcapital.com, Roark Sign up here. So far, it seems the risk is paying off. Franchise Systems, an Atlanta-based hotel franchisor that began with one brand and 22 hotels in nine states. Primrose Schools is a leading franchisor of pre-K schools providing high quality educational programs for children 6 weeks to 5 years old and after-school learning programs for 6 to 12 year olds. Global network of franchises providing janitorial services, carpet cleaning, hard surface floor care, tile and grout cleaning, and upholstery cleaning. Roark Capital Group, the owner of restaurant chain Arby's, plans to buy Buffalo Wild Wings for $2.4 billion. Founded in Germany in 1965, the Company has solidified its position as the international market leader, developing an extensive network of more than 750 car wash locations across Europe and more than 100 car wash locations in the U.S. ICWG's focus on express-service style operations appeals to a broad base of consumers seeking a quick and high quality wash at an affordable price. The Take 5 Oil Change management team will remain at the helm, and the headquarters will remain in New Orleans. We look forward to partnering and helping accelerate their growth plans. Envysion is a loss prevention platform designed to protect businesses, brands, Since 2015, Scena has provided as-built digital twin services to restaurants for, Full-service communications and PR agency specializing in the Restaurant and, Refreshed Branding Boosts Mendocino Farms' Growth Plans, Patrick Doyle Brings His Turnaround Magic to Burger King, Free to Qualified Restaurant Professionals, Dave's Hot Chicken Announces Partnership with Movie Franchise, Scream, Slutty Vegan Sets Opening Date for Second NYC Location, Jet's Pizza to Give Away Year's Worth of Ranch, Biscuitville Establishes Special Fund to Assist Employees with Financial Hardships. Our largest sector, food and restaurants, encompasses investments in brands such as: Inspire Brands (the owner of Arbys, Baskin Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin, Jimmy Johns, and Sonic), Nothing Bundt Cakes, CKE Restaurants (the owner of Carls Jr and Hardees), FOCUS Brands (the owner of Auntie Annes Pretzels, Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlisters Deli, Moes Southwest Grill, and Schlotzskys), Millers Ale House, Culvers, The Cheesecake Factory (the owner of North Italia and Flower Child), Jim N Nicks BBQ, and previously Corner Bakery, Il Fornaio, Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill and Wingstop. ATLANTA OFFICE Take 5 CEO Marc Graham, who headed Take 5 Oil Change as CEO since 2013 and has more than 40 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, will lead the Driven Brands Quick Lube division. FOCUS Brands is the parent company of Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlisters, Moe's Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky's and the franchisor of Seattle's Best Coffee on certain military bases and in certain international markets. They are like the Warren Buffett of restaurants.. All rights reserved. Miscellaneous . Uniban is a leading network of glass repair and replacement service centers across North America. Today the only other restaurantchain Golden Gate owns besides Red Lobster is California Pizza Kitchen, but their portfolio includes lots of non-restaurant companies, including Eddie Bauer, Payless, and J. Jill. At Roark, that patience is being tested with Arbys. If the series of financial moves are completed as expected on June 15, Roarks interest in Cheesecake will be reduced to 2.4 million shares of common stock, or 4.6% of total shares outstanding. In the announcement, ServiceMaster says: "The transaction will position the . Wingstop has a total market capitalization of a gigantic $4.73 billion! Roark Capital Group specializes in franchises in the food service, retail and consumer services industries. The Cheesecake Factory is reacquiring most of the equity stake held by Buffalo Wild Wings parent Roark Capital in a transaction valued at $457.3 million. The latest from Restaurant Business, sent straight to your inbox.