Artistry Restaurants has acquired the 20-unit Hickory Tavern casual-dining concept, the company said Monday.
The Winter Park, Fla.-based company said the acquisition of the tavern concept, founded in 1997, expands its footprint into North Carolina and South Carolina for the first time. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Hickory Tavern is the seventh brand in the 30-unit Artistry’s portfolio and brings the company’s total managed locations to 50.
“Hickory Tavern has a long history of serving the community, with each location a cherished gathering spot for locals,” Bryan Lockwood, Artistry’s CEO, said in a statement. “Hickory’s concept and its reputation for uncompromising service make it a perfect fit within our portfolio of brands as we continue to expand our footprint within the industry.”
Artistry has named Paul Zito as president of the Hickory Tavern brand. Zito will report to Jason Brooks, Artistry Restaurants’ chief operating officer.
“Paul Zito’s best-in-class approach and impressive track record revitalizing and building establishments and cultivating high-performance teams will help elevate Hickory Tavern’s position in the market,” Brooks said.
Zito previously served as president of Z Team Consulting, a Myrtle Beach, S.C.-based hospitality consulting firm.
Artistry Restaurants’ acquisition of Hickory Tavern follows the recent announcement of the launch of The Chapman, an original dining concept located in Winter Park, Fla. The Chapman is scheduled to open later this month.
Artistry also operates five previously acquired brands: Oak & Stone, Shrimp Basket, Boca, Atlantic Beer & Oyster, and Sandbar Amelia Island.
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]
Follow him on X/Twitter: @RonRuggless
