Orlando, FL-based restaurant operator Earl Enterprises announced June 11 that it has completed the asset acquisition of Brio Italian Grille and Bravo! Italian Kitchen from FoodFirst Global Restaurants, also based in Orlando. The purchase price is reported to be about $30 million.
Brio Italian Grille has locations in 12 states, including Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas and Utah. Bravo! Italian Kitchen currently operates across 12 states, including Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The company formerly known as Bravo Brio Restaurant Group was founded in Columbus, OH, in 1992. FoodFirst Global Restaurants was created in March 2018 following Bravo Brio’s acquisition by Switzerland-based Spice Private Equity Ltd., an affiliate of GP Investments. FoodFirst filed for bankruptcy this past April as a result of the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earl Enterprises, owned by Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl, operates 200 restaurants. In addition to Hollywood founder Robert Earl, operates 200 restaurants. In addition to Planet Hollywood, brands include Buca di Beppo, Bertucci’s, Earl of Sandwich, Chicken Guy!, and others.
