NRD Capital to sell fast casual restaurant Fuzzy’s Taco Shop to Dine Brands

NRD Capital Management, an Atlanta-based middle-market private capital partner, has agreed to sell its Experiential Brands subsidiary’s unity Fuzzy’s Taco Shop to Dine Brands Global, a restaurant company, for $80 million in cash.

Established in 2003 in Fort Worth, Texas, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is a fast casual restaurant serving Mexican favorites such as Baja-style tacos, chips and queso and icy-cold beverages.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop with 138 franchise- and corporate-owned locations in 18 states is expected to generate revenues of approximately $230 million in 2022.

Aziz Hashim — NRD Capital Management Managing Partner said: “This transaction is a textbook example of how NRD identifies and grows brands, which can result in successful outcomes for all stakeholders, including company management, company employees, franchisees and investors of NRD Capital.

“NRD is incredibly proud of the work it has done alongside the talented Fuzzy’s Taco Shop team to drive growth and propel value creation.”

NRD Capital Management to sell fast casual restaurant Fuzzy’s Taco Shop to Dine Brands Global. Photo courtesy of Business Wire.

In 2016, NRD Capital Management acquired a majority stake in Fuzzy’s Taco Shop and almost doubled the unit count since then.

John Peyton — Dine Brands CEO said: “Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is a compelling business with a loyal customer base and a distinct identity.

“It is an attractive asset with a tremendous growth trajectory and will be a complementary addition to our highly franchised portfolio.

“By adding Fuzzy’s to the Dine Brands family, we are investing in a high growth concept as part of our longer-term growth agenda, which is aligned with our strategy to build shareholder value.”

Dine Brands Global is a full-service dining company and franchisor of Applebee’s Grill + Bar and IHOP restaurants.

Arlington Capital Advisors served as exclusive financial advisor to Fuzzy’s Taco Shop while Cheng Cohen acted as legal advisor to Fuzzy’s Taco Shop and NRD Capital.

Centerview Partners acted as exclusive financial advisor to Dine Brands while Sidley Austin served as legal advisor.