SPB Hospitality, a franchisor and operator of full-service dining restaurants, has acquired the Amada and Village Whiskey restaurant brands from 3BM1, which operates as Ideation Hospitality.
The companies did not reveal the financial terms and other details of the transaction.
Amada, established in 2005, is the first restaurant brand introduced by the chef Jose Garces, known for his Spanish and Latin-American cuisines.
Meanwhile, Village Whiskey is Garces’ snacks and burger concept.
The strategic acquisition of these brands adds new and culturally diverse dining concepts to SPB Hospitality's existing portfolio, which spans more than 500 restaurants across 37 US states.
SPB Hospitality will acquire Amada's three locations in Philadelphia, Radnor and Atlantic City, as well as Village Whiskey's sole location in Philadelphia, along with leadership and restaurant employees.
Garces will remain a key figure for the brands, continuing as the face of Amada and Village Whiskey and driving culinary and concept development.
Scott Campanella, previously chief operating officer of Ideation Hospitality, will join SPB Hospitality as senior vice-president, overseeing Garces’ products and exploring growth opportunities.
Campanella said: “I've had the pleasure of operating these outstanding brands, conceived by Chef Garces, for the last few years, and we have worked hard to create excitement, stability and proof of concept for each brand.
“It's an exciting turning point as we successfully look to the next chapter for each of these brands, knowing that they are in the hands of partners and leaders best suited to maximising their potential and reach through strategic, well-backed growth plans.”
SPB Hospitality, backed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, also outlined its expansion plans following the acquisition.
The company aims to open two to three new Amada restaurants annually, particularly targeting key markets in the US Sun Belt region.
SPB Hospitality's diverse portfolio includes casual and upscale dining establishments such as Krystal Restaurants, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom and Logan's Roadhouse.
The company also operates craft brewery restaurants such as the Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant and the Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery.
