News

Tavistock acquires E-Brands restaurants

March 9, 2011

San Francisco-based Tavistock Group has announced that it has acquired the multi-concept restaurant company that operates Timpano Chophouse and Martini Bar, AquaKnox and Taqueria Canonita. Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., E-Brands Restaurants sold its brands and seven restaurant locations to the Orlando-based private investment company after filing for bankruptcy last summer.

"We continue to look for undervalued assets across the U.S. that can benefit from Tavistock Group's resources and reach," said Barry Goff, managing director of diversified acquisitions for Tavistock Group. "We believe we can drive significant value and results from these restaurants and locations."

Timpano, an Italian chophouse concept serving dry aged steaks, chops and veal, has four locations, one each in Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa, Fla., and Rockville, Md.

AquaKnox is an elegant, yet casual seafood restaurant that operates in The Venetian Casino, Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas. Taqueria Canonita and Canonita Express also are located within The Venetian. Both offer authentic Mexican fare.

"Timpano, AquaKnox and Taqueria Canonita are tremendous concepts with highly valued guests," said Bryan Lockwood, president of Tavistock Restaurants, the restaurant division of Tavistock Group that will manage the E-Brands concepts. "We look forward to building upon E-Brands' reputation for exceptional service without interruption."

Tavistock Restaurants operates a broad portfolio of restaurants across the U.S. with concepts ranging from fast casual to upscale dining, including Alcatraz Brewing Company, Blackhawk Grille, Cafe del Rey, California Cafe, Freebirds World Burrito, Napa Valley Grille, Sapporo and ZED451.

In 2010, the company tried to purchase Fuddrucker's, but was out bid by Luby's which offered Magic Brands $63.45 million.