Sponsored By

Kelly’s Roast Beef brand acquired by AAM15 Management GroupKelly’s Roast Beef brand acquired by AAM15 Management Group

The Massachusetts-based regional quick-service brand will now be managed by the private equity management group

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

January 7, 2025

1 Min Read
Kelly's Roast Beef exterior
Kelly's Roast Beef is going to expand under new ownership.Wikimedia Commons

Joanna Fantozzi

The Kelly’s Roast Beef brand — the 15-unit, Massachusetts-based regional quick-service chain — has been acquired by private equity management group, AAM15. The 70-year-old brand, along with its four flagship locations in Massachusetts, will now be owned and operated by AAM15 Management Group, adding to its portfolio of hospitality, residential real estate, country club, and restaurant properties.

"Growing up in this region, Kelly's was always a part of my life. It's more than just a restaurant—it's a symbol of community and tradition," David Masse, founder and CEO of AAM15 Management, said in a statement. "We're proud to take on the responsibility of continuing Kelly's legacy and ensuring it thrives for generations to come."

Kelly’s Roast Beef, known for its signature roast beef sandwiches and deep roots in New England communities, will explore opportunities for future expansion while remaining true to its heritage under AAM15’s leadership guidance. The private equity company has hired a team of food and beverage professionals who will focus on opening new locations, securing licensing agreements, and developing additional franchise opportunities.

 "Our goal is to preserve everything that has made Kelly's Roast Beef an icon in Massachusetts while identifying opportunities to innovate and grow," Masse said. "We are dedicated to ensuring Kelly's remains a symbol of excellence for decades to come."

Related:Artistry Restaurants acquires 20-unit Hickory Tavern

Contact Joanna at [email protected]

About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

Subscribe Nation's Restaurant News Newsletters
Get the latest breaking news in the industry, analysis, research, recipes, consumer trends, the latest products and more.