What do you do with Pollo Tropical?

This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast “A Deeper Dive” features Alex Macedo, the chairman of Authentic Restaurant Brands, to talk about that company’s recent acquisition of Pollo Tropical.

Authentic Restaurant Brands, or ARB, is owned by the private equity firm Garnett Station Partners. Macedo is a former executive with Burger King and Tim Hortons and is overseeing the multi-concept operator, which also owns Primanti Brothers, PJ Whelihan's and Mambo Seafood.

Pollo Tropical has long been one of the industry’s most intriguing concept. The fast-casual chicken chain operates 169 locations and generates some industry-leading restaurant-level profits. But it has long struggled to expand outside of Florida—so much so that many buyers were reticent to acquire the company when it was put on the market two years ago.

Macedo talks about that, and he discusses why he believes there is plenty of growth in Florida and nearby communities. He also talks about ARB’s acquisition plans, how many companies it is talking with, and what the company does once it acquires a restaurant chain.

It is an interesting conversation with the chairman of a new multi-concept operator so please have a listen.