As the culinary world continues to evolve, the recent acquisition of Amada and Village Whiskey by SPB Hospitality marks a significant milestone in the expansion and elevation of these iconic brands. With a strong vision and impressive track record, SPB Hospitality, backed by Fortress Investment Group LLC, aims to propel Amada and Village Whiskey to new heights, solidifying their positions as culinary beacons in the hospitality industry.
Under the leadership of Chef Jose Garces, Amada has garnered acclaim for its exceptional Spanish-inspired culinary offerings and vibrant dining experiences. With the acquisition, SPB Hospitality now oversees the three existing locations of Amada in Philadelphia, Radnor, and Atlantic City, along with the exclusive Village Whiskey location in Philadelphia. This strategic move ensures the preservation of the brands’ esteemed legacies and paves the way for their national expansion.
“We’re excited about the acquisition of Amada and Village Whiskey by SPB Hospitality,” said Paul, Steven, and Scott Ballard, brothers and owners of Ballard Brands, in a joint statement. “They are highly regarded in the industry and are perfectly suited to take these outstanding brands to new heights. The timing could not be better as we experience significant growth of our PJ’s Coffee brand requiring a great deal of our focus. We’re proud of the work we’ve done through Ideation Hospitality and are very happy with this acquisition.”
The announcement that Chef Jose Garces will continue as the face of Amada and Village Whiskey underlines SPB Hospitality’s commitment to honoring the essence of these beloved establishments. Moreover, Scott Campanella’s transition from COO of Ideation Hospitality to SVP at SPB Hospitality underscores the focus on nurturing and harnessing the growth potential of the Garces products.
With an impressive portfolio of full-service dining restaurants, SPB Hospitality is well-positioned to provide the expertise and resources necessary to propel Amada and Village Whiskey into new markets across the United States. The plan to open two to three Amada restaurants annually, focusing on key markets in the Sun Belt region, demonstrates SPB Hospitality’s strategic approach to expansion and growth. Furthermore, the emphasis on bringing restaurant-quality experiences to homes and businesses through enhanced delivery options, virtual online cooking demos, and live cooking classes highlights Chef Jose Garces’ innovative vision for reaching new audiences.
The collaborative pride expressed by Chef Jose Garces and the previous owners of Amada and Village Whiskey underscores the shared enthusiasm for this new chapter. The alignment of goals and dedication to preserving the essence of these brands while pursuing national growth sets the stage for an exciting journey ahead.
As Amada and Village Whiskey embark on this new phase of expansion and evolution, the culinary world eagerly anticipates the impact of SPB Hospitality’s investment and Chef Jose Garces’ culinary prowess. With a blend of tradition and innovation, these esteemed brands will captivate new audiences while continuing to enchant loyal patrons with their exceptional offerings and vibrant environments.
“Amada will always be an incredibly special restaurant concept to me. Not only was it the first restaurant I ever opened, but it was also inspired by my grandmother, Mamita Amada,” said Chef Jose Garces. “I could not be more proud to work with SPB Hospitality to help grow the Amada brand in such a significant way. I look forward to bringing the incredible flavors and taste of Spain that Amada offers to cities across the country.”
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