Long John Silver’s, which operates nearly 1,000 restaurants in the United States, acquired 76 additional restaurants from a LJS franchisee.
The restaurants are owned by ServUS, and the restaurants are located primarily in Indiana, along with Michigan and Kentucky. Financial terms of the sale were not released.
“This is an excellent opportunity to continue our brand revitalization,” said Brian Unger, president and COO of LJS, in a press release. “We’re thrilled to add an extensive lineup of well-performing restaurants to our company-owned portfolio and to continue the legacy that Bob [Ruckriegel] has left behind.”
ServUS is owned by veteran franchisee Ruckriegel, who opened the third LJS restaurant in 1969. The acquisition grows the LJS’ company-owned system to 200 restaurants and includes the addition of ServUS’ highly experienced operations team.
LJS, which shifted from a 100 percent franchised system and began acquiring restaurants in late 2015, is now the largest owner in its system.
LJS’s brand revitalization includes swapping the nostalgic Cape Cod building elements for clean, nautical-themed lines of a new design. The newly renovated restaurants have already reported double digit growth, according to the company.
The newest Long John Silver’s locations from ServUs in Indiana will showcase this contemporary change as well as adding the brand’s new grilled platform to the restaurants.
