International House of Pancakes, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dine Brands Global (NYSE: DIN). operator of swim schools for children of all ages, serving over 150,000 swimmers per year. The Company focuses on management of buy-outs, acquisitions, mergers, recapitalizations, restructuring . Romaniello and Hill say Arbys had started to turn around when Roark made the acquisition, but Aronson is more blunt in his assessment of the company, which was part of the Wendys/Arbys Group, led by investor Nelson Peltzs Triarc Co. Arbys was a messin menu, speed of service, cleanliness, physical box, focus, relationships, strategy, marketing, he says, ticking off the woes. Founded in 1965, ICWG is the world's largest conveyor car wash company currently operating in 14 countries around the globe, washing more than 35 million cars every year through a network of more than 900 locations. Driven Brands Holdings Inc, one of the largest U.S. auto services franchisers, is looking to raise as much as $760 million . We want CKE to reach their potential, just like all of Roarks other brands, he says. The firm also provides the capital for operators to reach their goals. Nov 2009 - Dec 202213 years 2 months. The latest from Restaurant Business, sent straight to your inbox. Affiliates of Roark have invested in 56 franchise/multi-unit brands which collectively generate $21 billion in annual system revenues from 23,000 locations in 50 states and 75 countries. Mathnasium is a leading franchisor of math learning centers with over 1,000 locations across 46 states and 12 countries. Our goal is to be the preferred capital source for private equity solutions by earning the respect of everyone we interact with. The things that were wrong we saw as fixable, as long as we had time, Aronson says, noting that a private company has that luxury. About Take 5 Oil ChangeTake 5 Oil Change has been serving customers for more than 30 years. The purchase of the burger chains parent, CKE Inc., which has nearly 3,450 units around the world, is Roarks biggest deal yet, and it solidified the 13-year-old firms position as one of the worlds largest limited-service dining companies. Auntie Anne's menu includes hand-rolled soft pretzels baked in-store, Pretzel Nuggets, beverages (including signature lemonade) and Pretzel Dogs. We believe that successful partnerships begin with providing a compelling value proposition to all business constituencies. Roark focuses on middle-market investment opportunities through family-owned business transfers, anagement/corporate buyouts, recapitalizations, going-private transactions, and corporate divestitures. The five times weekly e-newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on the latest industry news and additions to this website. Phone (404) 591-5200 Arby's owner Roark Capital Group said on Tuesday it would buy Buffalo Wild Wings Inc <BWLD.O> for $2.4 billion, . The Big Take is the very best of Bloomberg's in-depth, original reporting from around the globe every day. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the largest franchised moving company in the U.S. and offers comprehensive home and business relocation, junk removal, and packing services. No, Sonic is owned by Sega, who debuted the character in "Sonic The Hedgehog" for their Genesis console in 1991. Dunkin is famous for its combination of high-quality coffees, espresso beverages, baked goods, and breakfast sandwiches served all day with fast, friendly service. I called Neal and said, What have you gotten me into? Romaniello says. [21][22] The acquisition was completed on December 15, 2020. Theyre very entrepreneurial., Besides, he says, theyre just plain good guys.. Inspire Brands, Inc. is an American holding company and the owner and franchisor of the Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In, Jimmy John's, Mister Donut, Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurant chains. The New Jersey State Investment Council, which manages investments in seven public pension funds, committed up to $100 million to the private equity firms latest fund in 2012 after the agencys staff cited Roarks impressive track record and strong returns. Flower Child is a growing, fast casual restaurant offering a customizable menu, made fresh from scratch, featuring locally-sourced, all-natural and organic ingredients. The Company focuses on management of buy-outs, acquisitions, mergers, recapitalizations, restructuring, business transfers, corporate divestiture, and other situations. Global network of franchises providing residential and commercial restoration services, including water damage, smoke and fire damage, mold remediation, and disaster recovery. Founded in 2003, i9 Sports is a leading franchisor of community-based, multi-sport leagues for children ages 3-14, serving over 3 million kids since inception. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in San Rafael, CA, US Sports camps is the licensed operator of Nike Sports Camps. Uniban is a leading network of glass repair and replacement service centers across North America. It is part of Flynn Restaurant Group which also operates 441 . Meineke provides all regularly scheduled maintenance services, along with repair and replacement of vehicle components. The transaction will apparently not cost Paul Ginsberg, Roark Capitals president, his seat on Cheesecakes board. He is my all-time favorite character in any book, Aronson says. He plans to structure the company similar to Hilton Hotels & Resorts. Roarks other limited-service brands include Auntie Annes, Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, Moes Southwest Grill, and Schlotzskysall of which are included under the Focus Brands umbrellaas well as Corner Bakery, McAlisters Deli, and Wingstop. Baseball Academy (Youth Enrichment Brands), U.S. Sports Camps (Youth Enrichment Brands), Roark Portfolio Employees Assistance Fund. regarding PitchBook Data's products. The acquisitions are a team effort, Hill says, relying on Roarks operational, financial, and other resources. 1-800 Radiator is the largest franchised automotive parts distributor in North America. | Roark is an Atlantabased private equity firm with $35 billion in assets under management. from 8 AM - 9 PM ET. Who owns Miller's Ale House? Founded in 1983, Jimmy John's offers high-quality sandwiches with rapid preparation. Merry Maids is a leading franchisor and provider of home cleaning services. Most compete in the quick-service sector, far downmarket from Cheesecakes turf. 403 Veterans Blvd. Cinnabon is an American chain of bakeries known for their "World Famous Cinnamon Rolls.". Roark Capital Group, that currently owns the Schlotzsky's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli, Auntie Anne's and Jamba brands. Related: Naf Naf Grill founder dies at 47, Greg Willman, left, who was named Naf Naf Grill CEO in May 2020, said in a statement: I am excited about the future of Naf Naf Grill and want to thank Roark for its support and positive contributions to the company.. In 1996 Take 5 designed the first "5 Minute Drive-Thru Oil Change" location. Roark Capital Group General Information. 11.16.21 ROARK INVESTMENT Roark Capital Acquires Mathnasium READ MORE . Basecamp Fitness is a growing network of fitness studios featuring high-intensity and high-energy workout sessions. Each deal brings its own set of challenges, says Erik Morris, a managing director who joined Roark in 2007 after leading investments in several quick-service restaurant companies at private equity firm Grotech Capital Group. Roark Capital Group is an Atlanta-based private equity firm with more than $1.5 billion in equity capital under management. Roark Capital Group acquired 81.5% of Arby's Restaurant Group in July 2011 and is now a majority-owner of Inspire Brands. Driven Brands is the largest automotive services company in North America. Our Core Values have always guided the ways we support our people, businesses, and community, and guide us in how we Invest in Good. It has strong unit-level growth and is stable, with an excellent management team and differentiated brands, Aronson says. The brand offers one of the most innovative and diverse menus in the quick-service restaurant industry, with more than 30 unique sandwiches and 8 different types of protein. 1180 Peachtree Street NE Our business services investments have included Divisions Maintenance Group, Driven Brands,ServiceMaster Brands, Installation Made Easy, and previously Solterra Recycling Solutions, Batteries Plus Bulbs, CyberCore, FASTSIGNS, Money Mailer, Peachtree Business Products, PSC, Quala, Waste Pro, and GFL Environmental. International Car Wash Group is the world's largest local car wash company, with operations in the U.S., Europe and Australia. We look forward to partnering and helping accelerate their growth plans. 1 Answer ANSWER Neal Aronson. Merry Maids is a leading franchisor and provider of home cleaning services. None were restaurants. Sign up to receive texts from Restaurant Business on news and insights that matter to your brand. See Neal K Aronson's compensation, career history, education, & memberships. I agree to receive PitchBook Data's electronic newsletters, updates, promotions and related messages They really know restaurants, says Andy Puzder, chief executive of Carpinteria, Californiabased CKE. Cinnabon is an American chain of bakeries known for their "World Famous Cinnamon Rolls.". Roark is an Atlantabased private equity firm with $33 billion in assets under management. Uniban is a leading network of glass repair and replacement service centers across North America. So far, it seems the risk is paying off. Known as 'America's Bodyshop', Maaco is a leading provider of auto painting and light collision repair services. Aronson will surrender 47,517 of the common shares to Cheesecake in exchange for $10.4 million in cash. Primrose Schools is a leading franchisor of pre-K schools providing high quality educational programs for children 6 weeks to 5 years old and after-school learning programs for 6 to 12 year olds. Mar 30, 2016, 11:48 ET. These are very smart people, he says. Who owns the most Arby's franchises? ORLANDO, Florida: Under recently reinstated CEO Bob Iger, Walt Disney Co. announced this week that it is cutting 7,000 jobs, or 3.6 percent of the company's global workforce, to save $5.5 billion in costs and seek to make its streaming business profitable. Jim N Nicks is a differentiated full-service restaurant chain that has been serving award-winning barbecue and Southern-inspired cuisine for over 30 years. Private equity often involves deals of dizzying size to buy companies your average consumer has never heard of. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. International Car Wash Group is the world's largest local car wash company, with operations in the U.S., Europe and Australia. After a few quiet years, Roark raised its first flagship fund in 2005, a $413 million vehicle, and quickly got to work making deals, completing four . In its 13 years in existence, Roark has sold only three companies. They keep their companies autonomous, but they understand how to control costs and focus on getting the profit margins up.. Our consumer products and services investments have included Driven Brands (the owner of ABRA, ATI, CARSTAR, International Car Wash Group, Maaco, Meineke, Take 5, Uniban, 1800 Radiator, Auto Glass Now, and others), ServiceMaster Brands (the owner of ServiceMaster Restore, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic, AmeriSpec, and Two Men and a Truck), Pet Supermarket, Pet Valu, Orangetheory Fitness, Massage Envy, Mathnasium, Primrose Schools, Self Esteem Brands (the owner of Anytime Fitness, Basecamp Fitness, The Bar Method, Waxing the City, and Stronger U), Fitness Connection, Youth Enrichment Brands (the owner of US Sports Camps, US Baseball Academy, i9 Sports, Streamline Brands and KE Camps), Great Expressions Dental Centers, and previously Atkins Nutritionals, Batteries Plus Bulbs, Drybar, FASTSIGNS, and US Franchise Systems. Roark Capital Group Inc. operates as a private equity firm. As the Atlanta-based private equity firm that owns Massage Envy, Roark Capital Group published a plan in 2017 to address the . Article continues below . . RB American is the largest Arby's franchisee, operating 370 restaurants across 9 states. As chief financial officer at U.S. Furniture Medic is a global leader and franchisor in the furniture repair and restoration industry. ATLANTA OFFICE ServiceMaster Brands is the parent company of ServiceMaster Restore, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, AmeriSpec, and Furniture Medic. The buyback more than doubled Roark's initial investment. Neal K Aronson is Managing Partner/Founder at Roark Capital Group. Image Credit: IHOP - Legacy Capital Investment Group IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale, California-based International House of Pancakes, LLC and its affiliates. The brand was named a Nations Restaurant News Hot Concept in 2016. operator of swim schools for children of all ages, serving over 150,000 swimmers per year. Number 8860726. New York, NY 10022 Roark focuses on franchised and multi-unit business models in the retail, restaurant, consumer and business services sectors. The brand offers 8- and 10-inch bundt cakes, Bundtlets and Bundtinis in multiple flavors that are hand-crafted and baked on-site. Naf Naf Grills website lists 39 locations in eight states, including Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Lines and paragraphs break automatically. Inspire Brands is majority-owned by affiliates of Roark Capital Group. The purchases were financed primarily through Roarks first private equity fund. Founded in 2003, i9 Sports is a leading franchisor of community-based, multi-sport leagues for children ages 3-14, serving over 3 million kids since inception. Most of Carvels resources had been diverted to its supermarket business, which angered franchisees. Still, Arbys core attributes lined up for Roark, including the brand differentiation, great history, a large and loyal customer base, good locations, and upside potential. The Take 5 Oil Change management team will remain at the helm, and the headquarters will remain in New Orleans. Nothing Bundt Cakes is a leading franchisor and operator of gourmet bakeries. For more information visit www.take5oilchange.com. Take 5 is a leading provider of oil change services through a convenient drive-thru format with fast, friendly customer experience. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Wingstop has a total market capitalization of a gigantic $4.73 billion! Known as 'America's Bodyshop', Maaco is a leading provider of auto painting and light collision repair services. After the hotel business was sold, one of Aronson's mentors, Odyssey Partners cofounder Jack Nash, encouraged him to try his hand at private equity. Aronson began his career in investment banking and private equity in New York, working for several firms, including hedge fund Odyssey Partners. Fax (404) 591-5201 Wendy's owns about 18.5 percent of Arby's, with their stake valued at around $325.9 . Roark Capital Group is buying the 37-unit Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q, the company said on Monday, in a deal that gives the Atlanta-based, private-equity group its 20th restaurant brand. Contributions to 527s are not included in the Individuals, PACs, Soft (Indivs), or Soft (Orgs) columns, so the sum of these columns may not equal the Total column. Driven manages a family of automotive brands including ABRA, CARSTAR, Maaco, Meineke, Take 5, Uniban, 1-800 Radiator, and others. In the early days, there were real synergies and reasons to put companies together in Focus, says Hill, who became Cinnabons president. www.roarkcapital.com. It met Roarks expertise then: a franchised business in the hospitality arena. At Roark, we believe the best way to create value is to form a close partnership with outstanding operating executives and a value-added Board of Directors. Driven Brands has more than 2,000 centers across North America, and combined, all businesses generate more than $2.1 billion in system sales. [24], Inspire received Franchise Times 2019 Dealmaker of the Year award for its acquisitions of Buffalo Wild Wings and Sonic Drive-In.[25]. He has conviction, passion, unbelievable honesty, openness, and hes loyal and trustworthy. Who owns capital music group? Roark's current brands include Anytime Fitness, Arby's, Atkins Nutritionals, Batteries Plus Bulbs, Carl Jr.'s, Corner Bakery, Driven Brands, FOCUS Brands (the owner of Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, McAlister's Deli, Moe's Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky's), Hardee's, Il Fornaio, Massage Envy, Miller's Ale House, Money Mailer, Naf Naf Grill, Orangetheory Fitness, Pet Supermarket, Pet Valu, Primrose Schools, Quala, Waxing the City, and Wingstop. Some firms seek investments that fit into specific size parameters. By the end of the first year under Roark leadership, 21 new menu items were added. Roark Capital Group is an Atlanta-based private equity firm with over $6 billion in equity capital. Healthy Contributions (Self Esteem Brands), International Car Wash Group (Driven Brands), Seattle's Best International (FOCUS Brands), ServiceMaster Clean (ServiceMaster Brands), ServiceMaster Restore (ServiceMaster Brands), Streamline Brands (Youth Enrichment Brands), U.S. Driven manages a family of automotive brands including ABRA, CARSTAR, Maaco, Meineke, Take 5, Uniban, 1-800 Radiator, and others. Started in Jupiter, FL in 1988 by husband and wife team Jack and Claire Miller, Miller's Ale House is a sports-themed full service restaurant that offers an extensive menu of freshly prepared food and top-quality drinks. . McAlister's is a franchise chain of quick casual restaurants offering a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, wraps and desserts. How are the unit-level economics? Auntie Anne's menu includes hand-rolled soft pretzels baked in-store, Pretzel Nuggets, beverages (including signature lemonade) and Pretzel Dogs. McAlister's is a franchise chain of quick casual restaurants offering a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, wraps and desserts. [18], Inspire Brands announced that it was buying Jimmy John's on September 25, 2019. Jimmy John's is one of the largest sandwich chains in the US. Cheesecake opted to trade 200,000 shares of preferred stock to Roark for $200 million, Bojangles makes no bones about its future, Pollo Tropical starts the year off with more customers and better profits, For Wendy's, keeping pace with competitors is harder than it looks, Jack in the Box reaches a 'turning point' in its bid for growth, Chevys Fresh Mex owner adds 2 more brands to portfolio. ", Ezra Field, Senior Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer at Roark, said, "ICWG's quick conveyor car wash model provides high-quality washes at an affordable price point that is attractive to today's consumers who demand convenience and value. That step will leave him with 2.4 million shares. At Roark, we believe the best way to create value is to form a close partnership with outstanding operating executives and a value-added Board of Directors. Fitness Connection is a leading player in the "High Value, Low Price (HVLP)" segment of the fitness industry. Bosley's is the leading pet food retail chain in British Columbia specializing in holistic and specialty brands with a focus on pet health and wellness. The following year, Focus Brands was formed to hold Roarks foodservice acquisitions. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. They did some digging, and went straight to the source: Arby's Quality Assurance. Not knowing what to expect during the impending crisis, most restaurant companies scrambled to maximize their liquidity, fearful theyd have insufficient cash on hand to sustain operations as dining rooms were ordered to close and sales fell to a trickle. [23], On December 19, 2022, Inspire Brands announced that it had sold Rusty Taco to Gala Capital Partners, owner of Cicis Pizza, Dunn Brothers Coffee, and Mooyah. Moe's Southwest Grill is the neighborhood burrito place offering flavorful Southwestern fare with a healthy twist. Luther is Arbys chairman. Sign up here. The boardroom at Roark Capital Groups offices in an Atlanta skyscraper has all the accoutrements of a nicely appointed meeting area, including a large conference table surrounded by comfortable chairs and a wide view of the city below. Today the only other restaurantchain Golden Gate owns besides Red Lobster is California Pizza Kitchen, but their portfolio includes lots of non-restaurant companies, including Eddie Bauer, Payless, and J. Jill. Installation Made Easy coordinates the lead generation, sale, and installation of do-it-for-me home improvement projects on a nationwide basis on behalf of several of America's most respected home improvement and general merchandise "Big Box" retailers. AmeriSpec is a leading franchisor and provider of residential and commercial real estate inspection services. Suite 2500 Founded in 1988, U.S. Pet Supermarket is the largest specialty retailer of pet food and pet-related supplies based in the southeastern US. With the acquisition of ICWG, affiliates of Roark have acquired 61 multi-unit brands which combined generate annual system revenues of approximately $25 billion from 28,000 locations in 50 states and 78 countries. Take 5 Oil Change has a phenomenal brand, operating model, and team led by Marc. Phone (404) 591-5200 Howard Roarks characteristics led to Roark Capitals 12 core values, including commitment, integrity, collaboration, and accountability. They understand franchising, and they know brands and understand branding. Roark Portfolio Employees Assistance Fund. Responsibilities. Schlotzsky's is a chain of quick casual restaurants offering made-to-order sandwiches, soups, salads and pizza. RB AMERICAN. In the announcement, ServiceMaster says: "The transaction will position the . Suite 2500 Inspire Brands, Inc. is an American holding company and the owner and franchisor[7] of the Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In, Jimmy John's, Mister Donut, Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurant chains. Buffalo Wild Wings is the largest sports bar chain in the U.S., featuring an immersive sports restaurant experience and a variety of boldly flavored menu items, including buffalo-style chicken wings spun in over 20 signature sauces and seasonings. The deal specifies that Ginsberg and Aronson are locked up for 60 days from trying to amass a controlling interest in Cheesecake. Marcato, which owns a 6.4 percent stake in the wing chain, launched its campaign . There were four CEOs in six years, a problem Aronson blames on previous ownership. Who is corner bakery owned by?