Jersey Mike’s Going Public Signals Industry Momentum
Jersey Mike’s plans an IPO, showcasing sharp growth and franchise strength - a move with ripple effects for restaurant owners watching industry trends.
Jul 2, 2026
Jersey Mike’s plans an IPO, showcasing sharp growth and franchise strength - a move with ripple effects for restaurant owners watching industry trends.
Jul 2, 2026
QR code menu helps restaurants update items faster, improve mobile ordering, reduce printing costs, and track customer behavior over time.
Jul 2, 2026
McDonald’s welcomes Bryan Brown as chief development officer, leveraging his experience to drive store modernization and support the “NEXT” strategy for franchisees and teams.
Jul 2, 2026
White Castle and Garage Beer, two Ohio-based favorites, announce a summer collaboration with new promotions and products. Learn how restaurant owners can ride the LTO wave.
Jul 2, 2026
Learn how to build a restaurant catering system that attracts clients, improves margins, simplifies operations, and creates repeat revenue.
Jul 2, 2026
Explore the latest restaurant industry performance report for Q2 2026, including key restaurant industry trends, segment performance, and labor challenges.
Jul 1, 2026
Compare the top 10 restaurant POS systems in the USA for 2026. Explore features, pricing, pros, cons, and the best POS options for every restaurant type.
Jul 1, 2026
Papa John’s announces the departure of CFO Ravi Thanawala and the appointment of Chris Collins as interim CFO, signaling strategic leadership changes in the company’s finance team.
Jul 1, 2026
Buffalo Wild Wings has named Scott Nelson as Chief Marketing Officer, signaling a strategic evolution ahead of Inspire Brands' anticipated IPO. Learn how his diverse background may impact your restaurant's marketing playbook.
Jul 1, 2026
Learn how Mooyah Burger drives growth through operational excellence, technology, franchise leadership, and a customer-first approach.
Jun 30, 2026
Learn about the recent acquisition deal where SPB Hospitality sold five brewery brands to Kelly Companies, reshaping their focus and portfolio in the restaurant industry.


SPB Hospitality, known for its ownership of popular brands like Krystal and Logan’s Roadhouse, recently made a significant strategic decision to sell five of its brewery brands to Kelly Companies of Southern California. This move marks a pivotal moment for SPB Hospitality as it reshapes its focus and streamlines its portfolio in the competitive restaurant industry.

By divesting Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, ChopHouse & Brewery, Ragtime Tavern, and Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery, SPB Hospitality aims to concentrate its efforts on enhancing its remaining flagship brands. These flagship brands, including Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, J. Alexander’s, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, Amada Vino + Tapas, and Village Whiskey, are now at the forefront of the company's growth strategy.
Josh Kern, CEO of SPB Hospitality, highlighted the transformative nature of this strategic move, emphasizing the company's commitment to amplifying the growth of its core brands. Kern mentioned that the integration of recently acquired concepts coupled with this divestiture represents a significant chapter for SPB Hospitality.

Kelly Companies of Southern California, a multi-concept restaurant operator, views the acquisition of these brewery brands as an opportunity to strengthen its portfolio and deepen its market presence. With concepts that include Fox & Hound Bar + Grill, Craft Republic Bar & Grill, Lucky Bastard Saloon, and Whiskey River Saloon, Kelly Companies sees the addition of these new brands as a way to enhance their dining experiences for customers.
Michael Kelly, CEO of Kelly Companies of Southern California, expressed the company's commitment to honoring the legacies of the acquired brewery and specialty concepts. He highlighted a dedication to preserving community connections while also exploring avenues for growth and innovation within these renowned establishments.
The transaction involving the sale of 16 restaurants, including flagship and airport locations, signifies a substantial shift in the operational landscape for both SPB Hospitality and Kelly Companies of Southern California. This strategic move opens up new opportunities for growth and market expansion for both entities.
SPB Hospitality is backed by Fortress Investment Group, the parent company of Fortress Credit Corp. portfolio. This sale of brewery brands further underscores the strategic decisions made by Fortress entities within the hospitality sector, following the acquisition of Red Lobster and other key ventures.