What the owner of Pollo Tropical will do next

What is the strategy for Authentic Restaurant Brands’ newest acquisition?

This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Alex Macedo, the CEO of the multi-brand operator Authentic Restaurant Brands (ARB). 

The company recently acquired the New England polished casual-dining concept Tavern in the Square, its latest in a series of deals for largely regional chains. The company owns Pollo Tropical, Primanti Bros., P.J. Whelihan’s and Mambo Seafood. 

The company’s chains generate $1 billion worth of revenue and $150 million in EBITDA, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. 

We asked Alex why Tavern in the Square fits with these companies, when it plans to buy another chain and what’s the strategy behind acquiring regional concepts. We also asked Alex about ARB’s ultimate exit strategy. 

Check it out.