Krystal and Logan’s Roadhouse parent SPB Hospitality is selling its brewery concepts to focus on other parts of its business.
The sale comprises 16 locations across Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, ChopHouse & Brewery, Ragtime Tavern, and Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
The concepts will be acquired by Kelly Companies of Southern California, which also operates across Fox & Hound Bar + Grill, Champps, Craft Republic Bar & Grill, Lucky Bastard Saloon, Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar, Whiskey River Saloon, and Kings Family Restaurant.
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“These breweries and specialty restaurants we’re transitioning to Kelly Companies have a rich heritage, and we are confident their team will build on this success and continue serving their communities with excellence,” SPB Hospitality CEO Josh Kern said in a statement.
Kern said SPB’s next step is to “double down on growth” for its flagship brands and the integration of Amada Vino + Tapas and Village Whiskey, which were acquired from chef Jose Garces earlier in 2024. SPB acquired the concepts as part of its strategy to diversify and expand its portfolio with chef-driven, upscale brands that offer significant growth potential and align with evolving consumer dining preferences.
SPB also operates Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, J. Alexander’s, and Stoney River Steakhouse & Grill.
It took several steps to get where SPB is today. The company was formed by Fortress Investment Group after it purchased CraftWorks out of bankruptcy in 2020. The brewery concepts were part of this deal, as were Logan’s and Old Chicago.
A year later, J. Alexander’s was bought for $220 million and taken private. Krystal was also purchased out of bankruptcy by Fortress in 2020, and in 2023, the quick-service chain was officially placed under SPB’s umbrella. The group now operates over 500 units across nearly 40 states.
Kern was appointed interim CEO in August 2022 and later took on the full-time role.
Red Lobster was bought out of bankruptcy by Fortress as well, but there are no plans for the seafood giant to join SPB.
Kelly Companies operates more than 20 locations in its restaurant portfolio.
“Adding these beloved brewery and specialty concepts is a perfect complement to our existing restaurants, allowing us to deliver even more unique and memorable dining experiences,” Michael Kelly, CEO of Kelly Companies of Southern California said in a statement. “We are committed to honoring their roots, nurturing their community connections and exploring opportunities for growth and innovation.”
