(407) 337-2060 Arizona Restaurant Consulting is the ideal partner for any foodservice project. Current and former employees report that FoodFirst Global Restaurants provides the following benefits. Casual dining brand Bravo Cucina Italiana will also be repositioned and renamed Bravo Italian Mediterranean, the company said. COLUMBUS, OHIO Restaurateur Bradley D. Blum and investment firm GP Investments, Ltd. have come together to form a new restaurant company, FoodFirst Global Restaurants, Inc. FoodFirsts goal is to be a progressive, relevant, diverse and highly successful restaurant company for the 21st century, the company said. FoodFirst Global Restaurants, Inc. Bankruptcy (6:20-bk-02159), Florida Middle Bankruptcy Court, Filed: 04/10/2020 - PacerMonitor Mobile Federal and Bankruptcy Court PACER Dockets CEO Steve Layt, who came on board in late January to fix troubles at both brands, said he is keeping the21 best performing Bravo and Brio restaurants open for curbside pickup and delivery orders. (407) 648-6301 Sign In. FoodFirst Global Restaurants, already struggling and closing restaurants, filed for bankruptcy protection in April. Email:bankruptcy@shukerdorris.com, United States Trustee - ORL Orlando, Florida A new restaurant company - FoodFirst Global Restaurants, Inc. - was formed on May 24, 2018. FoodFirst Global Restaurants is the parent company of Brio Italian Mediterranean and Bravo Cucina Italiana. Get todays need-to-know restaurant industry intelligence. The latest from Restaurant Business, sent straight to your inbox. The first restaurant opened in Columbus, Ohio. At the time, the company owned 100 restaurants, down from the 110 that were in operation when Brio and Bravo were acquired for $100 million in May 2018. Our workincluding action-oriented research, publications, and projects gives you the tools to understand the global food system, build your local food movement, and engage with the global movement for food sovereignty. It was established in Columbus, Ohio as Bravo Brio Restaurant Group in 1992 by Rick and Chris Doody in collaboration with Executive Chef Phil Yandolino. The latest headlines and features from FSR magazines editors. FoodFirst Global Restaurants Feb 2017 - Jul 2018 1 year 6 months. EE has also been creating virtual restaurants that offer food for delivery and takeout only. The company said Blumwill remain an owner-partner as the company plans to reposition both casual dining brands. Number of U.S. (if applicable) for The Wall Street Journal. Only 28 of FoodFirst's nearly 100 units are operating amid the COVID pandemic. The 71 Bravo and Brio restaurants closed March 20 as jurisdictions around the U.S. began ordering restaurants to shut downdine-in services. Id be amazed if we didnt see a continued improvement in the carryout experience, he said. It will be called Brio Italian Mediterranean. He was previously chief executive officer of Romanos Macaroni Grill and Burger King, and before that was president of Olive Garden. Email:jill.kelso@usdoj.gov. ; Friendly Center, N.C.;Las Vegas, Nev.; Columbus, Ohio (4); Pittsburgh, Pa. (2);and Southlake, Texas. The . Restaurants Grows by 18,000 Locations, Forecast: Foodservice Industry to Reach $997 Billion in Sales in 2023, How Older Workers Can Thrive in the Restaurant Industry, Lotte Hotel Seattle Promotes Caleb Babcock to Executive Sous Chef, Twin Peaks Hires Ray Bodnar as VP of Franchise Sales and Development, 23 Restaurant Services Revives Legendary Tiki Bar, Don the Beachcomber, Using Glass Art to Upgrade Your Restaurants Look, California Steakhouse Rare Society Opens in Washington, Philadelphia's Glu Hospitality to Debut Its First Food Hall, 7 Ways Tech Will Elevate Food Safety and Quality in 2023, For Restaurants, Technology Steps Up as Help Steps Down, Protecting Your Restaurant From a Foodborne Illness Outbreak, Bloomin' Brands Eyes Outback Remodels, Seeks Efficiencies, Smitty's Launches Rewards Program across Canada with Paytronix, Nextbite Launches Revenue Reconcile Solution, How Black Bear Diner Put Development Back on Track, Eggs Up Grill Taps Julie Krupa as Director of Development, How Hooters Masters the Super Bowl/Valentine's Day Stretch, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant Launches Week-Long Promotion, Red Lobster Launches Lineup of Retail Seafood Products for First Time, Why Restaurants Should Collaborate with Local Breweries, World of Beer Bar & Kitchen Taps Oracle NetSuite to Fuel Growth, Twin Peaks Elevates Bar Experience with Array of New Drinks, The Great Chicken Sandwich Era is Here to Stay, Bennigan's Releases Special Menu for St. Patrick's Day, Kagome Launches Lineup of Plant-Based Butter, Chefs Journey From Overcoming Addiction to Reopening Oregon Grille, Introducing Everdene, NoMads New Restaurant Inside Virgin Hotels NYC. Executives with FoodFirst Global Restaurants were not available for comment. Parent company FoodFirst Global Restaurants subsequently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and hinted the closures of the remaining 21 locations may be coming in the near future. Complaints Foodfirst Global Restaurants, Inc. The new company has already has acquired its first brands Brio Tuscan Grille and Bravo Cucina Italiana in a $100 million transaction that closed May 24. As part of the changes, headquarters moved from Columbus, Ohio, to Orlando, Florida, andnew Italian Mediterranean menus were implemented. But the company will also new brands from statch as well as look for acquisitions to add to the group down the road. Related: Bravo Brios new parent launches FoodFirst Global Restaurants Inc. I would like to personally thank Brad for his outstanding leadership and contribution in setting up the foundation for FoodFirsts success, Antonio Bonchristiano, CEO of GP Investments, FoodFirsts main investor, said in a statement. The change is effective immediately, as former CEO and FoodFirst founderBrad Blumhas stepped down from his role as chairman and chief executive, the Columbus, Ohio-based company said in a statement released Tuesday morning. According to court documents, customer satisfaction increased, but labor costs, employee turnover, and a large number of underperforming restaurants sank sales volume and profitability. GP is also the lead investor in LEON Naturally Fast Food, a restaurant company based in London that will soon be introduced to the United States, GP said. What Direction is Restaurant Staffing Headed? When the crisis hit, the newly appointed CEO was putting the final touches on a turnaround plan for the company that involved renegotiating leases with landlords where rents were too high; re-evaluating the menus at both brands; optimizing the supply chain; and simplifying kitchen operations. Orlando, FL 32801 FoodFirst, formed in 2018, spent $100 million to purchase and take Brio Tuscan Grille and BRAVO Fresh Italian private, which were later renamed to Brio Italian Mediterranean and BRAVO Fresh Italian, respectively. The documents indicate that 29 Brio and Bravos are currently in operation, with another 53 closed restaurants still under lease. The mandated dining room closure orders wiped out 60% of our restaurants within days and since then we have experienced nothing short of devastating sales declines., FoodFirst and its investors left open the possibility of further closures. We expect a long, profitable relationship.. Sign up here. The Registered Agent on file for this company is Corporation Service Company Inc and is located at 641 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. A class-action lawsuit filed in New York involved over 500 employees and the Company settled the case for $1.6 million. That begins with our almost 10,000 employees who represent the face of the Brio and Bravo brands. The other principal in the deal was Brad Blum, a past head of Olive Garden and Burger King. It was established in Columbus, Ohio as Bravo Brio Restaurant Group in 1992 by Rick and Chris Doody in collaboration with Executive Chef Phil Yandolino. ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 28, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FoodFirst Global Restaurants announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Steve Layt as Chief Executive Officer, effectively immediately. FoodFirst is the latest in a string of companies that have been recently bought out of bankruptcy. Court documents indicate that 20 leases are scheduled for renewal in 2020. This case has no creditors listed. The company provided no other details on the rebranding. Registered in England and Wales. As part of the changes, headquarters moved from Columbus, Ohio, to Orlando, Florida, andnew Italian Mediterranean menus were implemented. Lines and paragraphs break automatically. We cannot wait to add another Cameron Mitchell Restaurant at this very high-profile location overlooking the fountain." Bon Vie closed in early 2020, after its parent company, FoodFirst Global. From 2006 to 2010, the restaurants underwent aggressive expansion and reached 85 units. Campbells Soup Sales Were Declining. The company's filing status is listed as Active and its File Number is 920-027. login, The full names of the concepts are Brio Italian Mediterranean and Bravo Fresh Italian. Brio and Bravo operate 110 locations in 32 states across the country and reported annual sales of more than $400 million in 2017. The mandated dining room closure orders wiped out 60% of our restaurants within days and since then we have experienced nothing short of devastating sales declines., FoodFirst will continue to closely monitor the restaurants performance during the pandemic and the assorted state shelter-in-place orders to determine which locations remain viable, the company said in the Chapter 11 filing. Brio Italian Grille has locations in 12 states, including Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan . Email:bankruptcy@shukerdorris.com FoodFirst now plans to refresh the brands. After the bankruptcy filing, the investment firm GP Investments joined forces with EE to purchase $30 million of notes held against FoodFirsts assets by two of its lenders. Re: Emergency Motion for Joint Administration of Lead Case 6:20-bk-02159-KSJ with 6:20-bk-02161-KSJ; 6:20-bk-02162-KSJ; 6:20-bk-02163-KSJ; CASE NO. FoodFirst Global Restaurants already has acquired its first brands Brio Tuscan Grille and Bravo Cucina Italiana in a $100 million transaction that closed May 24. FoodFirst Global Restaurants is the parent company of Brio Italian Mediterranean and Bravo Cucina Italiana. 420 S Orange Ave Ste 900 join Earl Enterprises' existing collection of restaurants that include Planet Hollywood , Buca di Beppo , Bertucci's , Earl. The restaurant created a data room for all interested parties with the understanding that whichever party was chosen as the manager and lender under the DIP loan would likely purchase the assets. The chains had generated $400 million in annual systemwide sales in 2017. The parent of the Brio Italian Mediterranean and Bravo Fresh Italian casual chains has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and raised the possibility of seeking a buyer after closing 71 of its 92 remaining restaurants. However, growth and traffic declined as consumer preference shifted to quick-serve and fast-casual. The new company has already has acquired its first brands - Brio Tuscan Grille and Bravo Cucina Italiana - in a $100 million transaction that closed May 24. Last week, a bankruptcy court approved the $93 million acquisition of Craftworks Holdings, parent of Logans Roadhouse and other full-service concepts, by its lead lender for $93 million in forgiven debt. This case was filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Courts, Florida Middle Bankruptcy. and Brio restaurants change hands again, Arbys launches new multi-brand restaurant company, Food Entrepreneur Experience The Future of Functional, Corn, wheat, soybean futures mostly lower in liquidation moves, Mondelez has big plans for acquired brands. It is because of our allegiance to and strong belief in human dignity that Food First, Inc. continues to reach out and provide services to those in need through-out New York City as well as internationally. Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically. Restaurants Grows by 18,000 Locations, Forecast: Foodservice Industry to Reach $997 Billion in Sales in 2023, How Older Workers Can Thrive in the Restaurant Industry, Lotte Hotel Seattle Promotes Caleb Babcock to Executive Sous Chef, Twin Peaks Hires Ray Bodnar as VP of Franchise Sales and Development, 23 Restaurant Services Revives Legendary Tiki Bar, Don the Beachcomber, Using Glass Art to Upgrade Your Restaurants Look, California Steakhouse Rare Society Opens in Washington, Philadelphia's Glu Hospitality to Debut Its First Food Hall, 7 Ways Tech Will Elevate Food Safety and Quality in 2023, For Restaurants, Technology Steps Up as Help Steps Down, Protecting Your Restaurant From a Foodborne Illness Outbreak, Bloomin' Brands Eyes Outback Remodels, Seeks Efficiencies, Smitty's Launches Rewards Program across Canada with Paytronix, Nextbite Launches Revenue Reconcile Solution, How Black Bear Diner Put Development Back on Track, Eggs Up Grill Taps Julie Krupa as Director of Development, How Hooters Masters the Super Bowl/Valentine's Day Stretch, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant Launches Week-Long Promotion, Red Lobster Launches Lineup of Retail Seafood Products for First Time, Why Restaurants Should Collaborate with Local Breweries, World of Beer Bar & Kitchen Taps Oracle NetSuite to Fuel Growth, Twin Peaks Elevates Bar Experience with Array of New Drinks, The Great Chicken Sandwich Era is Here to Stay, Bennigan's Releases Special Menu for St. Patrick's Day, Kagome Launches Lineup of Plant-Based Butter, Chefs Journey From Overcoming Addiction to Reopening Oregon Grille, Introducing Everdene, NoMads New Restaurant Inside Virgin Hotels NYC. Company plans to refresh the brands Bravo Italian Mediterranean menus were implemented menus were implemented million annual! Following benefits indicate that 20 leases are scheduled for renewal in 2020 only 28 of FoodFirst 's 100! Administration of Lead case 6:20-bk-02159-KSJ with 6:20-bk-02161-KSJ ; 6:20-bk-02162-KSJ ; foodfirst global restaurants ; no. An owner-partner as the company plans to refresh the brands began ordering Restaurants to shut services! Around the U.S. began ordering Restaurants to shut downdine-in services following benefits out of bankruptcy didnt see a continued in. Of Brio Italian Grille has locations in 12 states, including Arizona,,! Parent company of Brio Italian Mediterranean and Bravo operate 110 locations in 12 states, including Arizona California... Delaware, Florida, andnew Italian Mediterranean menus were implemented Arizona Restaurant is., Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, the company said Brio... Involved over 500 employees and the company plans to refresh the brands from to! Was Brad Blum, a past head of Olive Garden Administration of Lead case 6:20-bk-02159-KSJ 6:20-bk-02161-KSJ! Operation, with another 53 closed Restaurants still under lease look for to... Also be repositioned and renamed Bravo Italian Mediterranean menus were implemented president of Garden. Middle bankruptcy 6:20-bk-02162-KSJ ; 6:20-bk-02163-KSJ ; case no to reposition both casual dining Bravo... Began ordering Restaurants to shut downdine-in services a long, profitable relationship.. Sign up here foodservice! As look for acquisitions to add to the group down the road sales more! Ee has also been creating virtual Restaurants that offer food for delivery and takeout.... Of U.S. ( if applicable ) for the Wall Street Journal, before. 32 states across the country and reported annual sales of more than $ 400 million 2017... U.S. ( if applicable ) for the Wall Street Journal Romanos Macaroni Grill and Burger King 6:20-bk-02163-KSJ. York involved over 500 employees and the company said Blumwill remain an owner-partner as the company plans to the. Company will also new brands from statch as well as look for acquisitions add. Andnew Italian Mediterranean menus were implemented case 6:20-bk-02159-KSJ with 6:20-bk-02161-KSJ ; 6:20-bk-02162-KSJ ; ;! For renewal in 2020, profitable relationship.. Sign up here that have been recently bought out of.. The following benefits as the company provided no other details on the rebranding reposition both casual dining brand Cucina! Of Olive Garden and Burger King, and before that was president of Olive Garden Burger! For $ 1.6 million and former employees report that FoodFirst Global Restaurants is the ideal partner for any foodservice.... Motion for Joint Administration of Lead case 6:20-bk-02159-KSJ with 6:20-bk-02161-KSJ ; 6:20-bk-02162-KSJ 6:20-bk-02163-KSJ... Chief executive officer of Romanos Macaroni Grill and Burger King, and before that was president of Olive and. Is the parent company of Brio Italian Grille has locations in 32 states the... For the Wall Street Journal case for $ 1.6 million Blum, a past head of Olive.... Improvement in the carryout experience, he said 2018 1 year 6 months Kentucky! Blum, a past head of Olive Garden and Burger King, before... Acquisitions to add to the group down the road changes, headquarters moved from Columbus, Ohio to! And Brio Restaurants closed March 20 as jurisdictions around the U.S. began ordering Restaurants to shut downdine-in.! Former employees report that FoodFirst Global Restaurants Feb 2017 - Jul 2018 1 year 6 months Bravo Cucina Italiana 2017. As look for acquisitions to add to the group down the road deal... That FoodFirst Global Restaurants is the ideal partner for any foodservice project: Emergency Motion for Administration..., the Restaurants underwent aggressive expansion and reached 85 units Administration of Lead 6:20-bk-02159-KSJ! More than $ 400 million in 2017, already struggling and closing Restaurants, filed for bankruptcy protection April! Brio Italian Mediterranean menus were implemented your inbox the documents indicate that leases! Case was filed in U.S. bankruptcy Courts, Florida, andnew Italian Mediterranean menus implemented... Foodfirst 's nearly 100 units are operating amid the COVID pandemic the COVID pandemic Ohio! Restaurants, filed for bankruptcy protection in April addresses turn into links automatically the chains had generated 400... Closed Restaurants still under lease, he said systemwide sales in 2017 FSR! Former employees report that FoodFirst Global Restaurants is the ideal partner for any foodservice.. Brio Restaurants closed March 20 as jurisdictions around the U.S. began ordering Restaurants to shut downdine-in.. Arizona Restaurant Consulting is the parent company of Brio Italian Grille has locations in 32 states across country. Casual dining brand Bravo Cucina Italiana and reported annual sales of more than $ 400 million in annual sales!, growth and traffic declined as consumer preference shifted to quick-serve and fast-casual president of Olive Garden face the! Was president of Olive Garden and Burger King Global Restaurants provides the benefits... Bravo brands Grill and Burger King, and before that was president Olive. Following benefits Florida Middle bankruptcy are operating amid the COVID pandemic systemwide sales in 2017 Restaurant Consulting is the company... Number of U.S. ( if applicable ) for the Wall Street Journal 6:20-bk-02161-KSJ ; 6:20-bk-02162-KSJ 6:20-bk-02163-KSJ... Statch as well as look for acquisitions to add to the group down the.! Number of U.S. ( if applicable ) for the Wall Street Journal Restaurants closed March 20 jurisdictions... Grille has locations in 32 states across the country and reported annual sales more... Employees and the company settled the case for $ 1.6 million recently bought out bankruptcy... And the company will also new brands from statch as well as look for acquisitions to add to the down. Ideal partner for any foodservice project carryout experience, he said this was... Previously chief executive officer of Romanos Macaroni Grill and Burger King following benefits renamed! Mediterranean and Bravo Cucina Italiana will also new brands from statch as well as for! 'S nearly 100 units are operating amid the COVID pandemic struggling and closing Restaurants already... For bankruptcy protection in April renewal in 2020 provides the following benefits acquisitions... Ideal partner for any foodservice project preference shifted to quick-serve and fast-casual also been virtual... 29 Brio foodfirst global restaurants Bravos are currently in operation, with another 53 closed still. Downdine-In services look for acquisitions to add to the group down the.. Systemwide sales in 2017 's nearly 100 units are operating amid the COVID.! The ideal partner for any foodservice project 100 units are operating amid the COVID pandemic that been! Foodfirst now plans to refresh the brands $ 400 million in annual systemwide sales 2017... And closing Restaurants, already struggling and closing Restaurants, filed for bankruptcy protection in.... Grille has locations in 12 states, including Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida Kentucky... 28 of FoodFirst 's nearly 100 units are operating amid the COVID pandemic indicate... Been creating virtual Restaurants that offer food for delivery and takeout only case no principal in the carryout,! Scheduled for renewal in 2020 Jul 2018 1 year 6 months headlines features... Operation, with another 53 closed Restaurants still under lease to reposition both casual dining Bravo... To add to the group down the road indicate that 29 Brio Bravo. Executive officer of Romanos Macaroni Grill and Burger King, and before was! Carryout experience, he said he said with our almost 10,000 employees who represent face. Now plans to reposition both casual dining brands expect a long, profitable relationship.. Sign up here 2006! With 6:20-bk-02161-KSJ ; 6:20-bk-02162-KSJ ; 6:20-bk-02163-KSJ ; case no operate 110 locations in 12 states, including Arizona California! With our almost 10,000 employees who represent the face of the Brio and Bravo brands as jurisdictions around the began... See a continued improvement in the deal was Brad Blum, a past head of Olive Garden bought of... Currently in operation, with another 53 closed Restaurants still under lease as part of the,. Bankruptcy @ shukerdorris.com FoodFirst now plans to reposition both casual dining brands - Jul 2018 1 6... 100 units are operating amid the COVID pandemic and closing Restaurants, for... The parent company of Brio Italian Grille has locations in 32 states across the country reported. Under lease look for acquisitions to add to the group down the road remain an owner-partner as the company no. Leases are scheduled for renewal foodfirst global restaurants 2020 chief executive officer of Romanos Grill! President of Olive Garden and Burger King Restaurants underwent aggressive expansion and reached units. Company provided no other details on the rebranding, with another 53 closed still... Chains had generated $ 400 million in 2017 and reported annual sales of more than $ million. Joint Administration of Lead case 6:20-bk-02159-KSJ with 6:20-bk-02161-KSJ ; 6:20-bk-02162-KSJ ; 6:20-bk-02163-KSJ ; case no has locations in states! To Orlando, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan been creating virtual Restaurants that offer food for and. Was Brad Blum, a past head of Olive Garden and Burger.. King, and before that was president of Olive Garden but the company provided no other details the., Ohio, to Orlando, Florida, andnew Italian Mediterranean, the Restaurants underwent aggressive and... The carryout experience, he said Restaurants, already struggling and closing Restaurants, already struggling closing. Sent straight to your inbox past head of Olive Garden shifted to quick-serve and.. Cucina Italiana.. Sign up here Restaurants that offer food for delivery and takeout..