New York – August 19, 2019 – AEA Investors’ Middle Market Private Equity team has officially announced the acquisition of Jack’s Family Restaurants, a prominent regional quick service restaurant (QSR) chain known for its Southern-inspired cuisine. This acquisition marks a significant step for both AEA Investors and Jack’s Family Restaurant, paving the way for potential expansion and enhanced market presence for the beloved restaurant brand.
AEA Investors, a well-established private investment firm with a rich history dating back to 1968, confirmed the closing of this deal, signaling their confidence in Jack’s Family Restaurants’ unique market position and growth potential. Jack’s boasts approximately 170 company-owned restaurants across Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Mississippi, where it has cultivated a loyal customer base. The restaurant is celebrated for its diverse menu that offers high-quality, value-focused options throughout the day, coupled with exceptional and friendly customer service, making it a staple in the communities it serves.
AEA Investors recognizes Jack’s Family Restaurants as an exciting investment opportunity within the differentiated QSR sector. The appeal lies in Jack’s distinctive menu and service model, combined with substantial opportunities to increase its market share within its existing operational footprint. This acquisition is poised to leverage AEA’s expertise and resources to further amplify Jack’s strengths and explore strategic growth avenues.
About AEA Investors
Founded in 1968, AEA Investors LP has a distinguished heritage, originating from the Rockefeller, Mellon, and Harriman family interests and S.G. Warburg & Co. Initially conceived as a private investment vehicle for prominent industrial family offices, AEA has developed an extensive global network. This network encompasses leading industrial families, business executives, and leaders who actively participate as investors and advisors within AEA’s portfolio companies. Today, AEA operates globally with around 80 investment professionals across offices in New York, Connecticut, London, Munich, and Shanghai. The firm manages funds totaling approximately $15 billion in invested and committed capital, focusing on leveraged buyouts of middle market and small business companies, as well as mezzanine and senior debt investments. AEA Private Equity strategically invests across three key sectors: value-added industrials, consumer, and services, with Jack’s Family Restaurants now becoming a significant addition to their consumer portfolio.
About Jack’s Family Restaurants
Jack’s Family Restaurants stands out as a leading QSR chain specializing in Southern-inspired food. With approximately 170 company-owned locations throughout Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Mississippi, Jack’s has become a regional favorite. The cornerstone of Jack’s appeal is its commitment to handmade food using high-quality ingredients. Signature menu items include made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, fresh, never-frozen chicken tenders, and hand-dipped milkshakes, all contributing to a menu that resonates with customers seeking both quality and value.
What sets Jack’s Family Restaurants apart within the competitive QSR landscape is its ability to deliver a diverse menu that caters to all dayparts without compromising on quality or customer service. This dedication has fostered a deeply devoted customer base, evidenced by Jack’s exceptional performance metrics, including the second-highest breakfast net promoter score and top-of-mind unaided brand awareness within its operational markets. This strong customer loyalty translates to industry-leading unit economics and a consistent track record of growth, driven by both same-store-sales increases and successful new restaurant openings. Headquartered near Birmingham, Alabama, Jack’s Family Restaurants employs approximately 5,500 individuals across its restaurant locations and around 110 corporate staff members, highlighting its significant contribution to local economies.
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AEA Investors Investor Relations
+1 (212) 644-5900
[email protected]
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Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
Jon Keehner, Julie Oakes and Kate Thompson
+1 (212) 355-4449
