Boston-based private equity firm Bunker Hill Capital has sold its portfolio company, The Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group (SWRG) to Danu Partners, a private investment firm based in Ireland and a sub-licensee of SWRG which opened a restaurant in London in June, 2015.
David Jacquin, Founder and Managing Director of North Point Advisors, advised Bunker Hill Capital and SWRG on the sale.
Mark DeBlois, a Managing Partner of Bunker Hill Capital, says: “It has been our privilege to work with SWRG CEO Mike Feighery and his team in opening two new locations at Atlantic Wharf, Boston and in London with Danu. We could not be more pleased in transitioning the stewardship of this extraordinary brand to our existing sub-licensee partners at Danu, and we wish them every success.”
Leonard Ryan of Danu, adds: “We are delighted to have concluded this deal to acquire what we believe to be an iconic steakhouse brand, with superb potential for further growth and development. We look forward to working with Mike Feighery and his team to continue to expand the reach of the brand both domestically and internationally. We would also like to thank Bunker Hill Capital for their assistance to us in opening the new London location and in concluding this transaction so smoothly.”
Michael Feighery, CEO and President of SWRG and now 30 year veteran of S&W, says: “This is an incredibly exciting time for our group. To be partnered with a group of hospitality professionals who appreciate the ongoing need to invest in our people and our facilities is critical to our success. Danu has that insight, and they share in our vision for growth both here and abroad. As our journey with Bunker Hill Capital comes to an end, we are incredibly grateful for their insight and leadership in helping us fine-tune our business systems and strategy for this next exciting chapter.”
Headquartered in Boston, MA, The Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group is a leading operator of high-end, high-volume steakhouses located in major cities across the United States. Smith & Wollensky is one of the few national steakhouses that dry-ages and hand-butchers USDA Prime beef on premise to ensure unparalleled quality, tender texture and outstanding flavour. Each Smith & Wollensky restaurant offers distinctive high quality food, creative menus, an extensive wine selection and exceptional customer service accompanied by attractive design and décor. The Company’s seven restaurants are located in Miami Beach, Chicago, Las Vegas, Columbus, Houston and two locations in Boston (Atlantic Wharf and Back Bay).
