- Restaurant Platform Company Supercharges Growth
with taim Mediterranean Kitchen and Hot Chicken Takeover,
Expanding Footprint from Coast to Coast
- Unites Synergistic Brands to Create Leader in Healthy
Mediterranean and Popular Chicken Segments with Unparalleled Dining
Experiences
CHICAGO , May 8, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Craveworthy
Brands ("Craveworthy",) the innovative fast casual
restaurant platform company that is home to leading concepts such
as BD's Mongolian Grill, Dirty Dough, Flat Top Grill,
Genghis Grill, Krafted Burger Bar +
Tap, Lucky Cat Poke Co., Pastizza Pizza & Pasta, Scramblin'
Ed's, Sigri Indian BBQ, Soom Soom Mediterranean ("Soom Soom",) The Budlong Southern Chicken
("Budlong",) and Wing It On!, has announced that it has completed
the acquisition of Untamed Brands ("Untamed",) the multi-brand
operator and parent company of taim Mediterranean Kitchen ("taim")
and Hot Chicken Takeover ("HCT".)
Craveworthy's acquisition of Untamed, boasting two dynamic
concepts, marks a pivotal moment in the Company's trajectory of
supercharged growth and solidifies its position as a leading force
in the healthy Mediterranean and popular chicken segments,
respectively. Following the recent addition of Sigri Indian BBQ to
its growing list of restaurant brands, this milestone underscores
Craveworthy's unwavering commitment to innovative culinary
excellence and satisfying guests with unparalleled dining
experiences in various fast casual sectors.
Untamed Brands launched in 2021 with taim, a New York City-based concept founded in 2005 by
double-time Food Network champion and Chef Einat Admoney, as a falafel joint that
complemented her full-service concept Balaboosta. Taim uses
market-fresh produce, authentic herbs and spices and time-honored
techniques of Mediterranean cooking to serve craveable pitas,
bowls, salads and mezze. Taim currently operates 13 restaurants
across New York and Washington D.C.
In late 2021, Untamed Brands acquired HCT, a Columbus-based concept with a cult-like
following, serving Nashville-style hot chicken and
Southern-influenced sides. HCT was founded in 2014 by Joe DeLoss with a fair chance hiring mission
which provides supportive careers to individuals whose personal
circumstances may typically prevent them from obtaining steady
employment, creating a sense of belonging and community. HCT
currently operates seven restaurants throughout Central Ohio and two Columbus sports team stadium locations.
Craveworthy will seamlessly integrate taim with Soom Soom, which is the Mediterranean concept
Craveworthy partnered with C3 to franchise in 2023. Taim will share
an identity and vision with Soom
Soom, amplifying the unified brands' appeal for bold
Mediterranean flavors and reach with a newly expanded footprint
from coast to coast. HCT's locations will serve as a catalyst for
the creation of a fresh hot chicken concept with Craveworthy's
Budlong, synergizing their complementary offerings and
kick-starting rapid growth. Taim and HCT will feature new branding,
refreshed restaurant designs and further emphasize the guest dining
experience in the coming future.
Beyond the acquisition, Craveworthy will customize franchise
programs for the revitalized brands and seek hungry entrepreneurs
who are eager to partner with up-and-coming restaurant concepts
that are full of potential. By instilling its proven operating
procedures, creative marketing strategies and dedicated finance
processes, the Company will optimize restaurant systems and elevate
awareness of the brands.
Founded in 2022, Craveworthy Brands is a hospitality-first
company dedicated to invigorating and supercharging legacy brands
while nurturing and growing emerging brands as well as delivering
truly craveable food and immersive guest experiences. As
Craveworthy continues to expand its presence nationally, it
projects $1B in systemwide sales
within approximately five years and plans to acquire additional
brands, open nearly 17 corporate locations and open over 60 virtual
restaurants throughout 2024.
LEADERSHIP COMMENTARY
"Taim and HCT are beloved concepts with long histories of
serving high-quality cuisine and providing excellent service. They
bring a fresh perspective and complement our existing portfolio
extremely well, which allows us to cater to diverse consumer
preferences and truly tap into new markets," said CEO and
Founder of Craveworthy Brands, Gregg
Majewski.
"Craveworthy has a wealth of experience in nurturing emerging
restaurant brands and implementing scalable strategies. Combining
our strengths and shared commitment to culinary innovation,
hospitality and elevating guest experiences, this will be an
exciting, new chapter for taim and HCT," said Phil Petrilli, CEO and Founder of Untamed
Brands.
"Successfully integrating taim and HCT will be a game-changer
for Craveworthy Brands and place the Company at the helm of the
restaurant landscape, as we continue to expand our footprint and
presence throughout the U.S.," continued Majewski.
TRANSACTION ADVISORS
Harrington Park Advisors served as exclusive financial advisor
and DLA Piper served as legal counsel to Untamed Brands.
About Craveworthy Brands
Craveworthy Brands, the
parent company of Bd's Mongolian Grill, Dirty Dough, Flat Top
Grill, Genghis Grill, Krafted Burger
Bar + Tap, Lucky Cat Poke Co., Pastizza Pizza & Pasta,
Scramblin' Ed's, Sigri Indian BBQ, Soom Soom Mediterranean, The
Budlong Southern Chicken and Wing It On!, is dedicated to
invigorating and supercharging legacy brands while nurturing and
growing emerging brands. The company brings together diverse, yet
complementary brands and an accomplished, veteran leadership team
in the growing culinary space. In addition to building and
operating leading restaurant brands, Craveworthy Brands is active
in the communities it serves and creates exciting career
opportunities for its team members. Bridging the distinctive
individuality of its concepts with a shared culture and spirit of
collaboration, the Company's goal is to create truly unique and
craveworthy experiences every day, every shift and at every turn.
Learn more about Craveworthy and its brands at
CraveworthyBrands.com.
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SOURCE Craveworthy Brands