Dive Brief:
- R&R Brands, a multi-concept hospitality and entertainment company, has made a strategic investment and taken over the management of 48 company-owned Bravo Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille restaurants, the company said Wednesday in an email. The deal closed Oct. 6.
- Bravo Brio Restaurants filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protections in August for the second time in five years and has closed a number of restaurants this year. It faced difficulties at restaurants located in shopping centers with high vacancies and low foot traffic, which have only worsened as consumer spending decreased.
- The deal adds to R&R Brands’ portfolio of full-service concepts, which includes Party Fowl, Cody’s Original Roadhouse, Santa Fe Cattle Co., Celebrity Theatres and several Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux franchised locations.
Dive Insight:
As part of R&R Brands’ integration with the Italian food restaurants, management will launch a comprehensive support plan, impacting the operations, marketing and technology divisions, in the fall. This initiative will help “modernize the guest experience, refresh menus and reintroduce Bravo and Brio to a new generation of diners,” per the press release.
“Brio will lean further into its Tuscan sophistication and wine-country roots, while BRAVO! will continue to champion family, tradition and celebrations,” said Erin Amadeo, chief marketing officer of R&R Brands. “Together, they give guests two distinct ways to enjoy Italian dining, all under the strength of one portfolio.”
Brio’s menu will specialize in fresh-grilled proteins and seasonal ingredients with dining rooms reminiscent of the wine country that will target professionals, couples on date nights and wine enthusiasts, R&R Brands said. Bravo will be more family friendly, featuring Italian classics like chicken parmesan, baked pasta and lasagna in a more celebratory atmosphere.
R&R Brands has nearly 85 locations across 23 states and a management team that has helped open over 1,000 restaurants nationwide. The company offers strategic support across operations, marketing, finance and systems.
Several brands that underwent the Chapter 11 process this year have since come under new management. Sun Holdings bought Bar Louie out of bankruptcy earlier this month, while Pappas Restaurants bought On the Border after providing debtor-in-possession financing. Hooters of America is also selling itself to two franchisees, which will take over franchise support and corporate functions, following its own bankruptcy.
