Less than two months into 2011 and the buyers are busy. ... No doubt the already-active acquisition climate will continue, especially as private-equity funds seek returns for their investors. Given that some of the buyers are likely to be relatively new to the restaurant industry, what should they be looking for before buying a restaurant company?
When a new Freebirds World Burrito unit is about to open, fervent fans frequently pitch a tent city on the grounds in order to be among its first patrons. And this year, as the chain doubles in size, fandom has been especially intense.
Magic Brands LLC, parent of the Fuddruckers and Koo Koo Roo brands, said on Wednesday it had agreed to sell substantially all of its assets to Tavistock Group in a $40 million deal that included filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.