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"America's Steakhouse" Partners with International Development Executive Oliver Munday
BOSTON, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The venerable U.S. steakhouse, Smith & Wollensky, famously described by the New York Times as "the steakhouse to end all arguments" is expanding its global presence.
Dublin based investors, Danu Partners acquired Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, Inc. (SWRG) from Bunker Hill Capital earlier this year.
"Following our first successful international launch in London, we want to bring the unique Smith & Wollensky experience to other key international cities," said Leonard Ryan of Danu partners. "Our teams in the U.S. and London have worked closely together to build a robust infrastructure and this is a perfect platform on which to build a global business."
Joining the team will be international development executive Oliver Munday who has worked for the last 20 years in growing U.S. restaurant brands around the world.
"Having completed transactions in over 30 different countries with multiple restaurant brands including Hard Rock, Margaritaville and Planet Hollywood, Oliver brings the contacts and expertise needed to allow us to reach our full potential on the international stage," said SWRG's President and CEO Michael Feighery.
"Smith & Wollensky occupies a very special place among the great U.S. fine dining restaurant brands and there is global demand for such a classic American steakhouse experience," said Munday. "We will only be entertaining a handful of select markets - including Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Dubai and Mexico City – but interest is already strong," he said.
Since Danu purchased Smith & Wollensky they have embarked upon a program of significant reinvestment in the brand. The new 2015 London restaurant located in the Adelphi building on John Adam Street is evidence of its commitment to the brand's heritage, while executing a more contemporary interpretation of the classic American steakhouse. Extending global expansion is the next logical step in the brand's growth.
Similar attention, detail and restaurant upgrades are underway at existing U.S. locations in Chicago, Miami and Columbus, as the company explores additional domestic markets and opportunities for the more casual and social extension brand, Wollensky's Grill, now open in Chicago.
To learn more about the Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group visit www.smithandwollensky.com and www.wollenskysgrill.com
About The Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, Inc.
Since its establishment in 1977 as America's classic steakhouse, Smith & Wollensky has been committed to delivering unparalleled hospitality and the best USDA Prime steaks, dry-aged for tenderness and flavor and hand butchered on site daily. Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group is headquartered in Boston, and owns and operates seven iconic Smith & Wollensky locations in the U.S.: Miami Beach; Chicago; Las Vegas; Columbus, Ohio; Houston; and two restaurants in Boston. The first international location is now open in London. The acclaimed wine list, rich ambiance and exceptional service are designed to provide guests with a truly memorable steakhouse experience. Smith & Wollensky has received numerous local and national awards, including the "Grand Award of Excellence" from WINE SPECTATOR and the "Award of Excellence" from Distinguished Restaurants of North America. Follow Smith & Wollensky on Twitter at twitter.com/smithwollensky and Wollensky's Grill at twitter.com/wollenskysgrill.
About Danu
Danu Investment Partners Limited is an investment holding company based in Dublin, Ireland. Danu was founded in 2009 and owns investments across a broad range of business sectors, with a strong focus on the hospitality sector. Learn more about Danu at http://danupartners.ie.
CONTACT: Ken Langdon, klangdon@alliedim.com, 407-539-4315
