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9 investment deals and acquisitions in the independent and emerging chain restaurant world in 2021

Despite the challenges, investors saw plenty of opportunity for deal making over the past year

Lisa Jennings, Executive Editor

December 20, 2021

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It got off to a slow start, but 2021 proved to be a busy year for restaurant investment deals and acquisitions.

Investors had their eye on a number of Mexican concepts, including the taquerias Tacombi out of New York City and Taco Bamba, based in Washington, D.C. In Denver, the iconic restaurant Casa Bonita was bought by two creators of the “South Park” animated series.

Chicken concepts were also hot. Both Bangin’ Buns and Dirty Bird Fried Chxx attracted growth funding.

Harlem’s rice-bowl concept Fieldtrip also won new funding for expansion in the New York City area. And Pincho in Miami was the first to see funding from Mercato Partners’ new Savory Fund.

At the high end, the Las Vegas-based Hakkasan Group was acquired by similarly upscale Tao Group Hospitality.

Here’s a look at the investment deals and acquisitions in the small emerging chain and independent restaurant world.

About the Author

Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality

Lisa Jennings is executive editor of Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She joined the NRN staff as West Coast editor in 2004 as a veteran journalist. Before joining NRN, she spent 11 years at The Commercial Appeal, the daily newspaper in Memphis, Tenn., most recently as editor of the Food and Health & Wellness sections. Prior experience includes staff reporting for the Washington Business Journal and United Press International.

Lisa’s areas of expertise include coverage of both large public restaurant chains and small independents, the regulatory and legal landscapes impacting the industry overall, as well as helping operators find solutions to run their business better.

Lisa Jennings’ experience:

Executive editor, NRN (March 2020 to present)

Executive editor, Restaurant Hospitality (January 2018 to present)

Senior editor, NRN (September 2004 to March 2020)

Reporter/editor, The Commercial Appeal (1990-2001)

Reporter, Washington Business Journal (1985-1987)

Contact Lisa Jennings at:

[email protected]

@livetodineout

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-jennings-83202510/

 

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