Colorado Rockies owner Dick Monfort threw a curveball Thursday by announcing that he is part of Arizona-based Redrock Partners, LLC, which is acquiring Romano’s Macaroni Grill from Ignite Restaurant Group.
Monfort’s business partners are two industry veterans who will be taking over ownership and operations of the popular restaurant chain: John Gilbert, who is the current president and will continue to serve as CEO of Romano’s Macaroni Grill and Dean Riesen, who will serve as chairman of the organization.
Redrock Partners expects to complete the transaction within 30 days.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill is an Italian restaurant brand founded in 1988 by Phil Romano. Inspired by the Italian “country” cuisine served in Romano’s grandmother’s kitchen, Macaroni Grill has grown to more than $300 million in U.S. sales and another $40 million through its franchise operations.
“We are delighted to continue the work started by Ignite on the transformation of Mac Grill,” said Gilbert, who has been president of the brand for the past year.
Gilbert has a strong history of brand transformation, including the launch of Jack Daniel’s Grill at Friday’s and leading the team that developed the “America Runs on Dunkin'” campaign at Dunkin’ Donuts. Gilbert has also served as president and CEO of both public and private companies for the past seven years.
“Over the past nine months, Macaroni Grill has tested and launched Romano’s Kitchen Counter, which has proven to be a big hit with our customers,” Gilbert said.
Riesen added, “We believe that Romano’s Kitchen Counter is the beginning of a new chapter in the Macaroni Grill story. It was this growth opportunity, combined with the existing business foundation, that led me to put together the investment group to acquire Macaroni Grill.”
Riesen has had a lengthy financial and strategic career in the hospitality industry. He led Carlson Real Estate Company, served as the CFO of Carlson Holdings, Inc. and led the merger of Carlson’s U.K. travel interest into Thomas Cook Holdings, LTD, then serving on its board of directors. Riesen also served on the board of Famous Dave’s of America and as Chairman from 2011-2014.
Monfort, who completes the ownership trio, said, “I was delighted to join this team. I have worked with both Dean and John for many years and I believe we have the ideal chemistry to continue to grow the Mac Grill business.”
Monfort also has deep experience in the food service and hospitality industries, serving as the president and CEO of Monfort Meats, president of the protein divisions of ConAgra Foods, Inc. and owner of the Hyatt Regency-Palm Desert. Monfort served on the board of Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. He is also the majority owner of the Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball team.
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