Two regional growth chains plan to expand as a family

growler logo

Growler USA, a fledgling brewpub chain, has acquired the 18-unit Smiling Moose Rocky Mountain Deli fast-casual chain.

The terms were not disclosed.

“Smiling Moose attracts a very similar customer base as Growler USA, in that guests are looking for a unique, higher quality experience,” said Dan White, who will serve as CEO of both operations. “The brand has a strong infrastructure that offers great synergy with our franchise operations team, and I expect it will have a parallel growth path with Growler USA.”

Growler USA features on-tap domestic beers, hard ciders and soft drinks, as well as cold-press coffee and kombucha. Thirty branches are currently open.

Smiling Moose offers chopped salads, hot and cold sandwiches and wraps. The Rocky Mountain-theme concept serves breakfast as well lunch and dinner.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

The Tijuana Flats bankruptcy highlights the dangers of menu miscues

The Bottom Line: The fast-casual chain’s problems following new menu debuts in 2021 and 2022 show that adding new items isn’t always the right idea.

Financing

For Papa Johns, the CEO departure came at the wrong time

The Bottom Line: The pizza chain worked to convince franchisees to buy into a massive marketing shift. And then the brand’s CEO left.

Leadership

Restaurants bring the industry's concerns to Congress

Nearly 600 operators made their case to lawmakers as part of the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference.

Trending

More from our partners