Southpaw, an owner and operator of more than 180 Taco Bell and Dunkin’ restaurants across New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Kentucky, Georgia and Louisiana, has acquired 43 Ohio Taco Bell restaurants from Bessemer Investors-backed Mas Restaurant Group.
Following the transaction, MRG will continue operating 36 Taco Bell restaurants in the Houston market after previously selling 44 Texas locations to Ghai Restaurant Group earlier this month as part of its portfolio optimization strategy. MRG is a Taco Bell franchisee that operates restaurants in the Houston market and, prior to the transaction, Ohio. Bessemer Investors partnered with the company in 2018 alongside CEO Chad Motsinger and CFO Ben Walsh to support organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
Piper Sandler & Co. and Unbridled Capital served as financial advisors to MRG, while Sidley Austin acted as legal counsel.