Locally based G&R Acquisitions is expanding its restaurant holdings again with the purchase of the Damon's Grill chain of 65 sports-themed restaurants in 15 states.
Pittsburgh entrepreneur Gary Reinert Sr.'s company announced Friday that it bought the Columbus, Ohio-based brand for an undisclosed price from Alliance Development Holdings of Charlotte, N.C.
G&R, with offices on the North Side, said it will operate Damon's and the Max & Erma's chain it acquired in July separately, though some management and functions such as purchasing and payroll will be combined.
"As early entries in the casual dining field, both these brands have great heritages and histories," Reinert said in the announcement, adding the chains have potential to re-emerge as leaders in the industry. He couldn't be reached for further comment.
G&R said it named veteran Pittsburgh restaurant operator David L. Brown as CEO of Damon's, which is noted for its ribs and has three Pittsburgh area locations -- in Collier, Monroeville and West Homestead.
Brown was general manager and chief operating officer at Chartiers Country Club in Crafton before joining Damon's, and several years ago he helped to start the Peppi's Old Tyme Sandwich Shoppe chain in the Pittsburgh area, Damon's spokesman Brad Ritter said.
The company said it will sell an as yet undetermined number of Damon's and Max & Erma's to franchisees, giving current franchisees and company managers the first opportunity to buy them. New franchisees also will be sought.
Both businesses will remain headquartered in Columbus.
Max & Erma's has 108 company-owned and franchised locations in 13 states, including 10 Pittsburgh-area restaurants. G&R bought it for $10.2 million, shifting the money-losing chain from public to private ownership.
Spokesman Robin Yocum said the new owner plans to restart a renovation plan for most of the restaurants late this year. The Cranberry location has the new, brighter look, as will all new Max & Erma's, he said.
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