This week saw increased activity in the restaurant acquisition space and some notable executive hires and brand news. Here are some of the top restaurant news of the week.
Del Frisco’s Engaged Capital
Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group agrees to buyout by L Catterton
Much-anticipated sale of DFRG puts Barcelona, Bartaco on growth trajectory
The acquisition of Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group (DFRG), which had seemed imminent for months, is well underway. The announced agreement with L Catterton calls for an-all cash buyout of Del Frisco’s for $650M. After months of working to streamline operations, reduce costs and appease an activist investor, Del Frisco’s is put under the private leadership of a savvy investor via a L Catterton affiliate.
Del Frisco’s Burger and Bordeaux Wine Pairings launched
Three unexpected combinations bring pairings to a new level
Del Frisco’s Burger and Bordeaux Wine Pairings will be featured at all Del Frisco’s Grille restaurants. The combinations conjure up an unexpected affair as the 23-unit chain looks to draw increased business this spring and summer. The special menu places premium wines from France side-by-side with Del Frisco’s burger dishes. The Bordeaux wines are sourced from the Southwest French region split by the Gironde River and the White Region.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse bar menu revamped
Double Eagle Steakhouse adds Alaskan King Crab Cocktail, Salmon Crudo, Lobster Tails
The Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse bar menu has powered up with new additions, including Alaskan King Crab Cocktail, Salmon Crudo and Corndog Battered Lobster Tails. Cheesesteak Eggrolls and Dry-Aged Burgers round out the bar menu that is featured prominently at locations nationwide. Meanwhile, the chain’s chefs created specially-curated, localized dishes for targeted use in different markets
Del Frisco’s agrees to cooperate with activist investor
Cooperation agreement with Engaged Capital terminates poison pill
Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group has reached a cooperation agreement with Engaged Capital, an activist investor that has demanded the company review a possible sale of parts of the company and strategic decisions surrounding its restaurant chains. In late December, Del Frisco’s began a strategic review in response to the activist investor’s demand. As part of this recent cooperation agreement with Engaged Capital, Del Frisco’s has also agreed to add a new board member, aligned with Engaged Capital, to the company’s Board of Directors, and will now terminate its poison pill shareholder rights plan.