SPB Hospitality, the parent company of restaurant brands like Logan’s Roadhouse, Krystal, and Old Chicago, today announced it is acquiring two new concepts — Amada Tapas Y Vino and Village Whiskey — from the Garces Group and Ballard Brands. Both concepts were created by Iron Chef and James Beard Award-winner Jose Garces. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Spanish tapas concept Amada Tapas Y Vino was established in 2005 and now includes flagship locations in Philadelphia and Radnor, Pa., and Atlantic City, N.J. Philadelphia’s Village Whiskey is known for its selection of over 200 whiskey varieties, as well as its signature burgers. SPB Hospitality plans to expand the presence of both concepts, targeting suburban areas and urban centers in mid-sized to large metropolitan areas.
"Bringing Amada and Village Whiskey into the SPB Hospitality family marks a significant milestone for us. At SPB, our core commitment is to 'Serve People Better,' and these restaurants’ dedication to excellence in both cuisine and service makes them a perfect complement to our family of brands,” SPB Hospitality CEO Josh Kern said in a statement.
The partnership with Garces extends beyond the two acquisitions, enabling SPB Hospitality to also collaborate on new concept developments.
"Chef Garces has established a reputation for culinary excellence that is the envy of the restaurant industry," Kern said. "We are honored to partner with chef and his team to amplify their success, utilizing our shared services model and development expertise to dramatically expand the footprint of these brands — and the new concepts we will be developing together — across the country."
In a statement, Garces added that the collaboration will “allow us to innovate, grow, and bring these unique dining experiences to even more communities.”
In addition to Logan’s, Krystal, Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom, SPB Hospitality also operates and franchises J. Alexander’s, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, ChopHouse and Brewery, Ragtime Tavern, Seven Bridges, Twisted Tenders, Leo’s Italian Kitchen, and Ember Smoked BBQ. Its restaurants span 37 U.S. states and territories.
Kern joined SPB Hospitality in 2018 as chief marketing officer before taking on the role of president of concepts. He was then named interim CEO in 2022 before earning the permanent title in June 2023. One of his first initiatives was spearheading the addition of Krystal. The company has since added a few key leaders to support further expansion, and Kern has previously identified fast casual as a gap in its portfolio. SPB Hospitality is owned by Fortress Investment Group, parent of Fortress Credit Corp., which plans to purchase Red Lobster.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
