In today’s modern and evolving restaurant and culinary landscape, Amada and Village Whiskey were identified for their strength of concept, outstanding culinary offerings and vibrant environments that offer authentic and culturally diverse offerings to SPB Hospitality’s growing portfolio of over 500 restaurants across 37 states.
Through the acquisition, SPB Hospitality gains ownership of Amada’s three locations in Philadelphia, Radnor, and Atlantic City; Village Whiskey’s exclusive location in Philadelphia; and leadership and restaurant employees. Chef Jose Garces will continue to serve as the face of the brands and a culinary and concept development creative. Scott Campanella, COO of Ideation Hospitality, will become SVP at SPB Hospitality over the Garces products and growth opportunities for SPB.
“What Chef Garces and the Ideation Hospitality team have built at Amada is impressive. From the moment you walk through the door, the ambiance transports you to the south of Spain. The creative, culturally rich cuisine prepared by a talented team of culinary leaders gives consumers exactly what they seek in a high-quality dining experience,” said SPB Hospitality CEO Josh Kern. “Amada is a restaurant concept that has the potential to grow exponentially, and I’m thrilled to welcome the Amada and Village Whiskey brands, as well as Chef Garces and the Ideation Hospitality team, to our growing portfolio.”
SPB Hospitality plans to open two to three Amada restaurants annually in key markets with a focus on the Sun Belt region of the United States, where the warm weather will complement Amada’s iconic Spanish cuisine.
“Amada will always be an incredibly special restaurant concept to me. Not only was it the first restaurant I ever opened, but it was also inspired by my grandmother, Mamita Amada,” said Chef Jose Garces. “I could not be more proud to work with SPB Hospitality to help grow the Amada brand in such a significant way. I look forward to bringing the incredible flavors and taste of Spain that Amada offers to cities across the country.”
“We’re excited about the acquisition of Amada and Village Whiskey by SPB Hospitality,” said Paul, Steven and Scott Ballard, brothers and owners of Ballard Brands, in a joint statement. “They are highly regarded in the industry and are perfectly suited to take these outstanding brands to new heights. The timing could not be better as we experience significant growth of our PJ’s Coffee brand requiring a great deal of our focus. We’re proud of the work we’ve done through Ideation Hospitality and are very happy with this acquisition.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of operating these outstanding brands, concepted by Chef Garces, for the last few years, and we have worked hard to create excitement, stability, and proof of concept for each brand,” said Scott Campanella, an incoming SVP at SPB Hospitality. “It’s an exciting turning point as we successfully look to the next chapter for each of these brands, knowing that they are in the hands of partners and leaders best suited to maximize their potential and reach through strategic, well-backed growth plans. I’m grateful for the opportunity to maintain involvement in guiding Amada and Village Whiskey, along with other Garces concepts, through my new role at SPB Hospitality, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
