Eagle Merchant Partners Sells Chicken Salad Chick to Brentwood Associates

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Dec 06, 2019, 08:50 ET

ATLANTA, Dec. 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Brentwood Associates ("Brentwood"), a consumer-focused private equity firm has acquired a majority interest in SSRG Holdings, LLC ("Chicken Salad Chick" or the "Company") from Eagle Merchant Partners.

Chicken Salad Chick has 137 locations throughout 16 states predominantly in the Southeast and is a leading fast-casual restaurant company. It has earned numerous accolades, including rankings in Franchise Times' Fast & Serious; Fast Casual.com's top Movers and Shakers and Entrepreneur's Top Food Franchises.

Chicken Salad Chick was founded in 2008 by Stacy and Kevin Brown when they opened the first restaurant in Auburn, Ala. The brand is famous for its made-from-scratch and healthy chicken salads as well as its authentic service. All Chicken Salad Chick restaurants feature over a dozen distinct chicken salad flavors made fresh daily and served by the scoop, sandwich or bowl. Each chicken salad is named in honor of an important woman in Stacy's life. The fast-casual restaurants also feature homemade pimento cheese and egg salad, as well as fresh sides, soups and desserts. Chicken Salad Chick restaurants offer dine-in, take-out, drive-thru and catering. Chicken Salad Chick is led by CEO Scott Deviney, who will continue to lead the business going forward.

"We are very excited to partner with Brentwood on the next chapter for Chicken Salad Chick," Deviney said. "Brentwood's long track record of working with leading restaurant companies coupled with their understanding of our business objectives and strategy make them the perfect partner for us to continue executing on our robust growth and expansion plan."

Rahul Aggarwal, partner at Brentwood, commented, "Chicken Salad Chick's model fits well within our strategy of investing in high-growth, best-in-class consumer businesses. We look forward to working with Scott and the Chicken Salad Chick team to build upon their success in the markets they serve."

Stockton Croft, partner at Eagle Merchant Partners, added, "We are extremely proud of Chicken Salad Chick's achievements during our ownership, which resulted in a seven-fold increase in system sales and over 100 new restaurants. Chicken Salad Chick is a truly differentiated company with tremendous growth ahead. It has been an honor to work with such a wonderful organization."

North Point Advisors, LLC advised Chicken Salad Chick on the transaction, while King & Spalding LLP provided legal counsel. Brentwood was represented by Burr & Forman LLP.

CONTACT: Thornton Kennedy, (404) 210-0363

SOURCE Eagle Merchant Partners