Lathrop GPM Franchise Practice Group Closes $13.5 Million Deal with BBQ Holdings, Village Inn and Bakers Square
MINNEAPOLIS (August 2021) – Lathrop GPM represented BBQ Holdings, Inc., the parent of Famous Dave’s and Granite City Food & Brewery, in its successful $13.5 million acquisition of Village Inn and Bakers Square. The acquisition adds nearly 150 restaurants to the BBQ Holdings’ portfolio along with the ability to offer iconic dessert products throughout the BBQ Holdings system.
Led by Ryan Palmer, a partner in the firm’s Franchise Group, the deal included securities work by J.C. Anderson, a partner in the firm’s Business Transactions group, along with additional support from lawyers and paralegals in the environmental, intellectual property, and real estate groups.
“The success of this deal is evidence of the way that Lathrop GPM works as a firm. I’m grateful to my colleagues across practice areas for their skillful support,” said Palmer. “We were thrilled to help BBQ Holdings close this deal, and we’d like to congratulate them on this acquisition. We have worked closely with the company for many years; helping them succeed and expand has been an honor for the entire firm.”
“Ryan and the Lathrop GPM team have been integral to the successful implementation of our business strategies. The lawyers have been great partners in this deal and crucial to our overall success,” said Michael Medved, Senior Vice President and Corporate Counsel of BBQ Holdings. “We are excited to continue working with them as we expand our portfolio to better serve our customers worldwide.”
With one of the world’s leading franchise and distribution law practices, Lathrop GPM’s Franchise Group serves franchisors and master franchisees at all stages of development in markets across the world. The energetic and diverse group of more than 35 lawyers and paralegals works in teams, creating a collaborative environment that brings clients a wide range of experience in virtually every facet of international and domestic franchising. Serving franchise clients is a priority for Lathrop GPM; most of the firm’s attorneys who practice in other areas of business law also are experienced in advising and representing franchisors.
In addition to Palmer and Anderson, the Lathrop GPM team included Eli Bensignor, Tracy Castillo, Jayme D’Heilly, Jennifer Debrow, Patricia Garringer, Luke Greiner, Lisa Hansen, Bradley Hintze, Cheryl Johnson, William Klein, Rick Kubler, Jodi Malecha, David Morehouse, and Daniel Tenenbaum.