The franchise group also owns the quick-service Taco Bueno and the fast-casual Freebirds World Burrito
Sun Holdings, the franchise group, has acquired the casual-dining Uncle Julio’s concept in bankruptcy proceedings and added it to its Mexican-cuisine holdings of Taco Bueno and Freebirds World Burrito, the company said.
Farmers Branch, Texas-based Sun Holdings said the 39-unit Uncle Julio’s, founded in 1986, was acquired by its affiliate Next Restaurants in December. Four units do business as Hacienda Colorado. Terms were not disclosed.
The company, which franchises other concepts, also owns the 130-unit quick-service Taco Bueno and the 64-unit fast-casual Freebirds World Burrito, which it acquired in August last year, a spokesperson said.
Sun Holdings was founded in 1997 by Guillermo Perales. It franchises Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Arby’s, Burger King, Golden Corral, IHOP, McAlister’s Deli, Papa John’s, and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen across 27 states.
“Uncle Julio’s is an iconic brand with a storied legacy and a loyal following,” a spokesperson for Sun Holdings said in a statement. “This acquisition reflects our ongoing commitment to identifying opportunities where we can combine operational excellence with strategic growth to deliver value to customers and stakeholders alike.”
The company said its Uncle Julio’s acquisition “is a strategic move in Sun Holdings’ continued expansion into the Mexican-dining segment.”
“By bringing Uncle Julio’s into our portfolio alongside Taco Bueno and Freebirds World Burrito, we are creating a comprehensive platform that meets customers’ needs across the full spectrum of the Mexican dining experience,” Perales, president and CEO of Sun Holdings, said in a statement.
“This is more than an acquisition; it’s a critical component of Sun Holdings’ long-term strategy,” Perales said. “We see tremendous opportunities for Uncle Julio’s and are excited to combine its rich heritage with our proven track record of driving growth and innovation.”
This transaction was led by Taylor Bennett, chief legal officer of Sun Holdings, in conjunction with Marcus Helt, Anh Lee and Matthew Celentano of McDermott Will & Emery’s Restructuring practice group.
Sun Holdings’ portfolio including more than 1,800 locations.
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