Restaurant franchise veterans see potential in the Cicis brandRestaurant franchise veterans see potential in the Cicis brand

A group of veteran franchisees of other restaurant brands are seeking to apply their franchise experience to rejuvenating the Cicis chain, hoping that the pizza-buffet concept will emerge from bankruptcy, and the pandemic, ready to thrive again.

D & G Investors, a partnership between franchise operators Anand Gala and Chris Dharod, has acquired Cicis’ debt and become the senior secured lenders for Cicis’ parent company, CiCi’s Holdings. The investors are seeking to convert their debt ownership into equity ownership, said Gala, who is also chairman and CEO of the Mooyah Burgers, Fries and Shakes chain.

“When we saw the opportunities Cicis had as a brand, and the challenges it was facing, we saw it as a great opportunity for our skill set,” ...