AUSTIN Texas The largest franchisee of the 17-unit Mama Fu’s Asian House fast-casual chain has bought the brand for an undisclosed sum from Mama Fu’s Noodle House, a holding of Raving Brands Inc. in Atlanta.
Murphy Adams Restaurant Group of Austin, which became a Mama Fu’s franchisee in 2004, has five Mama Fu’s units open and a sixth in development. The concept offers a pan-Asian menu in fast-casual atmosphere.
In announcing the acquisition, Murphy Adams also disclosed that it has hired Stephen MacManus as chief operations officer. MacManus previously was chief operating officer at Austin-based Fired Up Inc., parent company of the Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurants chain. MacManus also worked in the past with the Chili’s Grill and Bar and Spageddies Italian Kitchen concepts.
Mama Fu’s was launched in 2003 by Raving Brands. A number of franchisees and investors sued Raving Brands in 2006, alleging breach of contract and fraud. Murphy Adams is not expected to inherit those liabilities.
Randy Murphy, president and chief executive of Murphy Adams, said, “We have seen the potential of Mama Fu’s first-hand and look forward to building on the existing brand equity and creating a successful franchise system in the United States and Mexico to replicate our success.”
Murphy Adams operates Mama Fu’s units in central Texas, northwest Arkansas, and south Florida.
Bill McCaffrey, Mama Fu’s vice president and brand leader, said, “Murphy Adams Restaurant Group has been an exceptional franchisee for Mama Fu’s because they have been patient and methodical with their real estate selections, build-out and market entry.
“We made the decision last year,” McCaffrey added, “that we would welcome the right people to come in and lead this great concept which has the ability to evolve regionally, nationally and internationally in Mexico. The current set of franchisees in the United States will do well under the leadership of Murphy Adams.”
Mark Adams, general partner with Murphy Adams, added: “What makes Mama Fu’s special is its ability to create a loyal fan base of customers with a menu that has such broad appeal, which is what we have done successfully in Austin. We see opportunities to elevate our strategies for marketing, staffing and real estate going forward.”
The exact relationship between Raving Brands and Mama Fu’s Noodle House was unclear. Asked if Mama Fu’s Noodle House or Mama Fu’s Asian House was owned by Raving Brands, a spokeswoman responded with the comment, “Raving Brands is a portfolio company of independent franchise concepts. These franchise concepts are separate business entities and are not subsidiaries of Raving Brands.”
Last year, Raving Brands sold its Moe’s Southwest Grill fast-casual brand to Atlanta-based Focus Brands Inc., the parent of Schlotzsky’s, Cinnabon and Carvel.