acquisitions

Jimmy John Liautaud invests in a drive-thru coffee concept

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 23, 2021

The Jimmy John’s founder along with Lone Star Steak House Founder Jamie Coulter have bought a majority stake in the nine-unit Seven Brew Drive-Thru Coffee.

Financing

Here are all the restaurant SPACs right now

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 17, 2021

Six special purpose acquisition companies are currently targeting restaurants and another already has a deal in place. Here’s a look at all of them.

Financing

Cicis Pizza quickly emerges from bankruptcy with new owners

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 16, 2021

The pizza buffet chain, now owned by a group of operators turned brand owners, closed a quarter of its locations.

Financing

Torchy’s Tacos is apparently looking at an IPO

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 15, 2021

The fast-casual taco chain has reportedly hired bankers to explore a public offering despite the presence of a half-dozen blank-check companies, said RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing

There may be too many restaurant SPACs

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 12, 2021

Steve Salis, founder of Ted’s Bulletin owner Salis Holdings, has founded the special purpose acquisition company Sizzle. Restaurant Business Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Maze wonders if there are too many buyers and too few sellers.

Financing

Why SPACs have become so popular

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 10, 2021

This week’s episode of the RB podcast “A Deeper Dive” features Andy Pforzheimer, the Barteca founder and SPAC co-CEO, who tells us all about blank-check investment companies.

Financing

Group of friends buys Milio’s Sandwiches

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 10, 2021

Five friends with long-standing ties to the Madison, Wis.-based sandwich chain have bought the company, which operates 22 locations in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Financing

Former Sonic CEO Cliff Hudson starts a SPAC

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 03, 2021

The blank check company Do It Again, which features several people connected with Sonic and Dunkin’, has filed to raise $125 million, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Financing