Muscle Maker Grill has been acquired by an affiliate of American Restaurant Holdings Inc., a publicly traded multiconcept operator based in Southern California, the company said Monday.
Muscle Maker Grill is a 55-unit franchised brand founded by fitness enthusiast Rod Silva in 1995 in Colonia, N.J. The chain is known for its healthful spin on familiar dishes and offers options for various diets, from those who keep gluten-free to vegetarians and the carb averse.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition was completed by Muscle Maker Inc., an affiliate of Irvine, Calif.-based American Restaurant Holdings Inc., which also owns the California single-unit restaurants Fronteras Mexican Grill and Cantina in Alhambra, and Canyon Fireside Grille in Rancho Santa Margarita, as well as three-unit JoJo’s Pizza Kitchen.
According to its website, American Restaurant Holdings was formed to acquire fast-casual and casual restaurants. The president and chief executive is Tim Betts, managing director of Nobis Capital Advisors Inc., described as a business advisory firm.
“We are excited about the acquisition of Muscle Maker Grill,” Betts said in a statement. “Our plan is to build upon the great brand and footprint that has been established dating back 20 years by the founder Rod Silva and his team.”
Betts said Muscle Maker Grill will be introduced to Southern California, where the healthful focus will likely appeal to diners.
“The near-term priorities for the Muscle Maker brand going forward will be the opening of corporate stores, continuing the franchise growth and working closely with the existing all-important franchisees,” Betts said.
Silva said in a statement that Muscle Maker Inc. will provide significant capital to grow the brand.
“We look forward to working closely with Tim and his team to expand into Southern California and other health-conscious markets while building on our nearly 20-year legacy of offering great food with your health in mind,” Silva said.
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].
Follow her on Twitter: @livetodineout