Wendy's to sell Baja Fresh for $31M

DUBLIN, Ohio— Wendy's International Inc. announced a definitive agreement to sell the Baja Fresh Mexican Grill restaurant chain to a West Coast restaurant operating company for about $31 million.

 

The deal is expected to close during the fourth quarter, subject to customary closing conditions.

 

Baja Fresh operates about 300 fresh Mexican restaurants in the United States.

 

The group purchasing Baja Fresh is a consortium of Investment Groups led by David Kim. According to a news release, Kim and his team are experienced restaurant and retail operators. Being both a franchisor and franchisee, the group has several national brands including Sweet Factory, Cinnabon, KaBloom and Denny's.

 

"This transaction, as well as our September 29th spin-off of Tim Hortons, will allow us to sharpen our focus on the Wendy's brand," said Kerrii Anderson, Wendy's interim chief executive officer and president. "We wish all the best to the employees and franchisees of Baja Fresh."