Operations

Founders Table Restaurant Group acquires Hopdoddy Burger Bar

Source: Hopdoddy

June 26, 2026

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Founders Table Restaurant Group has acquired Hopdoddy Burger Bar, an Austin, Texas-based fast-casual brand known for pioneering the better-burger space.

The acquisition adds Hopdoddy's 47 U.S. locations — more than 30 of which are in Texas — to the Founders Table portfolio, which also includes Chopt Creative Salad Company, Dos Toros Taqueria, Protein Bar & Kitchen and Field Trip. With this addition, the Founders Table platform now spans over 200 restaurants across 18 states with systemwide revenue approaching $500 million.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Harrington Park Advisors served as the exclusive financial adviser to Hopdoddy.

Leadership transition, scaling strategy

Following the acquisition, Jeff Chandler, who has served as Hopdoddy's CEO for the past decade, will step down from day-to-day leadership to transition into an advisory role. Kenny Jett, Hopdoddy's longtime vice president of operations, has been named president of the brand to ensure leadership continuity.

"Hopdoddy is a standout brand with all the ingredients we look for: a differentiated concept, passionate guest loyalty, and a commitment to quality that resonates across markets," Nick Marsh, CEO of Founders Table, said in a company press release. "We strongly believe in the power of the Founder's Table platform to accelerate growth, and this partnership marks an exciting step forward as we help Hopdoddy scale thoughtfully while staying true to the guest experience at the heart of the brand."

Under the Founders Table umbrella, Hopdoddy will integrate into the company's proprietary backend technology and leverage scaled capabilities across operations, real estate, supply chain and digital infrastructure.

Non-traditional expansion plans

Founders Table plans to fuel Hopdoddy's regional growth across Texas and the greater Southwest using a decentralized development strategy. This approach focuses on deep market penetration in core regions while leveraging the corporate platform's scale.

Additionally, Hopdoddy will be integrated into Founders Table's non-traditional licensing and franchising program. Originally bolstered by the company's acquisition of Protein Bar & Kitchen, the licensing program currently has more than 50 traditional and non-traditional locations open or in development.

"I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand what makes this brand so special—from our incredible team members to the loyal guests who support us every day," Jett said. "I'm honored to step into this role and excited to build on the strong foundation we've created as we continue growing the brand."

A growing portfolio

Founded in 2010, Hopdoddy gained national recognition for its chef-driven menu, ethically sourced proteins, hand-cut fries, and craft beverage program, which includes local beers and margaritas. The brand currently operates across Texas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and Louisiana.

The acquisition comes during a period of active expansion for Founders Table, which was established in 2020 to acquire and scale profitable, founder-led fast-casual concepts. The company is seeking further acquisitions of best-in-class restaurant brands.

Operations