Category: SPB Hospitality

SPB Hospitality Sells Brewery and Specialty Brands to an affiliate of Kelly Companies of Southern California 

Transaction propels SPB’s strategic focus while enhancing Kelly’s diverse portfolio

HOUSTON (Dec. 10, 2024) – SPB Hospitality, a portfolio company of Fortress Investment Group and a leader in the restaurant industry, has finalized the sale of its brewery and specialty restaurants to an affiliate of Kelly Companies of Southern California. This strategic transaction sharpens SPB’s focus on its flagship brands—Krystal, Logan’s Roadhouse, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, J. Alexander’s, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, Amada Vino + Tapas and Village Whiskey—while enabling Kelly Companies to expand its reach with some of the most celebrated names in the brewery and specialty dining space.

The sale includes iconic brewery restaurants Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, ChopHouse & Brewery, Ragtime Tavern and Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery. They will join Kelly’s diverse lineup of over 20 locations, including well-loved concepts such as Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar, Lucky Bastard Saloon, and Whiskey River Saloon.

“This marks a transformational chapter for SPB Hospitality as we double down on the growth of our flagship brands and the integration of our recently acquired concepts from Chef Jose Garces,” said Josh Kern, CEO of SPB Hospitality. “These breweries and specialty restaurants we’re transitioning to Kelly Companies have a rich heritage, and we are confident their team will build on this success and continue serving their communities with excellence.”

Kelly Companies views the acquisition as a chance to strengthen and deepen its portfolio while honoring the legacy of these iconic brands. 

“Adding these beloved brewery and specialty concepts is a perfect complement to our existing restaurants, allowing us to deliver even more unique and memorable dining experiences,” said Michael Kelly, CEO of Kelly Companies of Southern California. “We are committed to honoring their roots, nurturing their community connections and exploring opportunities for growth and innovation.”

This transaction encompasses 16 locations, including flagship and airport venues. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

About SPB Hospitality

SPB Hospitality operates a diverse portfolio of quick-service and full-service dining restaurants across 35 states. Its brands include Krystal, Logan’s Roadhouse, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, and high-end concepts like J. Alexander’s and Stoney River Steakhouse & Grill, alongside Chef Jose Garces’ Amada and Village Whiskey. Visit SPBHospitality.com to learn more, or contact Melissa Hodge at melissa.hodge@spbhospitality.com for franchising opportunities.

About Fortress Investment Group LLC

Fortress Investment Group LLC is a leading, highly diversified global investment manager. Founded in 1998, Fortress manages $49 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2024, on behalf of over 2,000 institutional clients and private investors worldwide across a range of credit and real estate, private equity and permanent capital investment strategies. To learn more, visit fortress.com. 

About Kelly Companies of Southern California

Kelly Companies of Southern California’s affiliates operate restaurant locations nationwide. Its eclectic portfolio includes Fox & Hound Bar + Grill, Craft Republic Bar & Grill, Lucky Bastard Saloon, and Whiskey River Saloon, among others. Known for delivering dynamic dining experiences, the group combines innovation with hospitality to bring people together over great food and atmosphere. Learn more at kellycompanies.com/restaurant-concepts.

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SPB Hospitality Appoints New Vice President of Operations

Leading hospitality operator introduces Andy Somers to lead Old Chicago and Brewery Division

Houston, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  SPB Hospitality, a leading owner and operator of quick service, casual and fine dining restaurants, announced today that industry veteran Andy Somers has joined the company as Vice President of Operations over their Old Chicago and Brewery Divisions.

Somers brings more than two decades of experience in the restaurant industry, most recently serving as Senior Director of Operations at P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. His extensive career spans from hands-on management roles to high-level corporate positions, showcasing his deep understanding of the industry’s dynamics and his ability to navigate its unique challenges.

“We could not be more excited to welcome Andy to SPB,” said CEO of SPB Hospitality Josh Kern. “Andy’s impressive track record and people-centric leadership style align seamlessly with our commitment to Serve People Better. His proven ability to drive operational excellence and his passion for developing strong, motivated teams will be instrumental in elevating the Old Chicago and Brewery brands. We are confident that Andy’s strategic vision will lead to continued growth and success.”

Throughout his career, Somers has consistently demonstrated a commitment to nurturing talent and building strong, motivated teams. His leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, innovation and a deep respect for the people he works with, making him an ideal fit for SPB’s mission to put people at the heart of everything they do.

Somers’ appointment underscores SPB Hospitality’s dedication to continuous innovation and excellence throughout its concepts. His strategic vision, operational expertise and fresh ideas will be central to the continued success and culture of growth at Old Chicago, as well as with SPB’s brewery division, which includes Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery and Gordon Biersch Brewery.

SPB Hospitality manages various iconic restaurants and breweries, including Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Krystal, J. Alexander’s, Stoney River, Logan’s Roadhouse and more. With a commitment to serving people better, SPB strives to create unique flavors, memorable moments and cherished memories for guests to enjoy across all of its establishments.

To learn more about SPB Hospitality, visit SPBhospitality.com.

About SPB Hospitality

SPB Hospitality is a leading operator and franchisor of full-service dining restaurants across 38 U.S. states and territories. With a national footprint encompassing hundreds of restaurants and breweries, SPB Hospitality is dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences. SPB Hospitality’s diverse portfolio of restaurant brands includes Logan’s Roadhouse, Krystal Restaurants, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, and an impressive collection of high-end restaurant brands such as J. Alexander’s and Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill.

As one of the country’s largest operators of craft brewery restaurants, SPB Hospitality takes pride in its craft beer expertise. SPB Hospitality proudly owns and operates renowned craft brewery restaurant brands like Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, ChopHouse & Brewery, Big River Grille & Brewing Works, AIA Ale Works Restaurant & Taproom, Ragtime Tavern Seafood & Grill, and Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery.

Visit our website at SPBhospitality.com to explore the exceptional flavors, inviting atmospheres, and unparalleled dining experiences that await you at SPB Hospitality’s restaurants and breweries.