Amada, the first of many restaurants by Chef Jose Garces, has been acquired by a new operator, writes Franki Rudnesky for PhillyVoice.
SPB Hospitality, a Houston-based company that operates or franchises more than 500 restaurants across 37 U.S. states has acquired the Spanish tapas restaurant from Ideation Hospitality.
With locations in Old City, Radnor, and Atlantic City, SPB Hospitality is planning to add two or three Amada locations annually.
According to a company press release, there will be an emphasis placed in the Sun Belt, “where the warm weather will complement Amada’s iconic Spanish cuisine.”
This isn’t the first time that SPB Hospitality has purchased a Garces-founded restaurant. It also acquired Village Whiskey burger bar in Rittenhouse Square.
While SPB Hospitality will take ownership of all Amada and Village Whiskey locations, Garces will remain the face of the brands. He will also remain involved with culinary and creative development.
“Amada will always be an incredibly special restaurant concept to me,” Garces said in the press release. “Not only was it the first restaurant I ever opened, but it was also inspired by my grandmother, Mamita Amada.”
He added that he is excited to grow the Amada brand to several more U.S. cities.
Read more about Amada’s new ownership and expansion plans in PhillyVoice.
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