Logan’s Roadhouse parent SPB Hospitality announced Wednesday that it acquired casual-dining concepts, Amada and Village Whiskey.
Details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Amada, founded by James Beard Award-winning chef Jose Garces in 2005, is known for its authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant atmosphere. It operates flagship locations in Philadelphia and Radnor, Pennsylvania, and Atlantic City, New Jersey. Village Whiskey, also founded by Garces, has been recognized for its extensive whiskey selection and burgers, with one location in Philadelphia. The restaurant companies were bought from Ideation Hospitality, which is run by parent company Ballard Brands.
“What chef Garces and the Ideation Hospitality team have built at Amada is impressive. From the moment you walk through the door, the ambiance transports you to the south of Spain. The creative, culturally rich cuisine prepared by a talented team of culinary leaders gives consumers exactly what they seek in a high-quality dining experience,” SPB CEO Josh Kern said in a statement. “Amada is a restaurant concept that has the potential to grow exponentially, and I’m thrilled to welcome the Amada and Village Whiskey brands, as well as Chef Garces and the Ideation Hospitality team, to our growing portfolio.”
SPB Hospitality plans to open two to three Amada restaurants annually in key markets with a focus on the Sun Belt, where the warm weather will complement Amada’s cuisine. Garces—a leading figure in Spanish and Latin American cuisines—will remain the face of the brands and help with culinary and concept development. Amada was the first restaurant he opened. It was inspired by his grandmother, Mamita Amada.
Ideation Hospitality COO Scott Campanella will become SVP at SBP, overseeing Garces products and other growth opportunities for the company.
“I’ve had the pleasure of operating these outstanding brands, concepted by chef Garces, for the last few years, and we have worked hard to create excitement, stability, and proof of concept for each brand,” Campanella said in a statement. “It’s an exciting turning point as we successfully look to the next chapter for each of these brands, knowing that they are in the hands of partners and leaders best suited to maximize their potential and reach through strategic, well-backed growth plans. I’m grateful for the opportunity to maintain involvement in guiding Amada and Village Whiskey, along with other Garces concepts, through my new role at SPB Hospitality, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
In addition to Logan’s, SPB runs Krystal Restaurants, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, and a collection of high-end restaurant brands including J. Alexander’s and Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill. SPB currently operates more than 500 restaurants in 37 states.
Paul, Steven, and Scott Ballard, owners of Ballard Brands, decided to sell Amada and Village Whiskey so it could focus growth on PJ’s Coffee, which it bought in 2008. The beverage chain has 180 locations and more in the pipeline.
“We’re excited about the acquisition of Amada and Village Whiskey by SPB Hospitality,” The brothers said in a joint statement. “They are highly regarded in the industry and are perfectly suited to take these outstanding brands to new heights.
