Brands

Locations

States

Millions Annual Restaurant Sales

PHILOSOPHY

What We Do

We bring together strategic leadership, operational experience and focused capital into the franchise hospitality sector to drive sustainable growth and long-term investment returns for brands with the right mix of people, product and economics to reach their full potential.

About Us

Formed on February 25, 2010, JAMCO Interests LLC is a private equity group based in Texas specializing in hospitality and retail-related investments. Our strategy is to partner with management teams to improve the operating profitability and strategic value of their businesses. We provide flexible capital structured for each investment to position companies to succeed.

PORTFOLIO

Friendly’s

In January 2021, JAMCO Interests LLC and through their wholly owned entity, Amici Partners Group, LLC (“Amici”), completed the acquisition of Friendly’s Restaurants. Comprised of 130 corporate-owned and franchised restaurant locations, Friendly’s has been a fixture on the East Coast for more than 80 years. Under JAMCO management, the brand is growing in terms of both core comp sales and new store openings utilizing traditional physical sites and ghost kitchen channels.

Red Mango

Since acquiring a controlling interest in Red Mango in 2010, JAMCO Interests LLC has more than doubled the number of units across multiple countries with a committed group of franchisees. Red Mango serves award-winning frozen yogurt, smoothies, parfaits and light food with a successful fresh squeezed juicing program. Re-energizing this well-known brand to focus on healthy adult-centric yogurt offerings provides an excellent platform for growth in both traditional and non-traditional locations.

Smoothie Factory

Smoothie Factory was founded in 1996 by James Villasana, a former Olympic athlete. We serve fresh and nutritious smoothies and fresh squeezed juices as well as nutritional supplements. With over 30 US locations primarily in Texas, Smoothie Factory has a strong brand presence among health and fitness enthusiasts. The brand is now positioned to focus on a wide demographic inspiring the “athlete in all of us” to supplement a healthy lifestyle with our award-winning smoothies and juices.

Orange Leaf

Orange Leaf is a self-serve, choose-your-own-toppings frozen yogurt and treat franchise with more than 90 locations in the U.S. and Mexico. JAMCO Interests acquired the Orange Leaf trademarks and franchise system in 2020 to capitalize on a strong brand in the frozen treats category. Orange Leaf offers a multitude of traditional and unique flavors, including no-sugar-added, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan alternatives. The brand’s “fun for all” offerings allow for a unique and flavorful experience for kids of all ages.

Souper Salad

Souper Salad is an all-you-care-to-eat buffet of fresh salads, homemade soups and fresh-baked breads with locations across the southwestern US. JAMCO Interests acquired Souper Salad in 2014 to capitalize on a strong brand in the growing salad category. Our new Souper Salad concept provides an open-market and contemporary dining experience with high-quality ingredients for today’s health-conscious consumers.

RedBrick Pizza

With its fire-roasted pizzas and flatbread sandwiches made with high-quality organic ingredients, RedBrick Pizza is well-positioned in the high-growth artisan pizza category. Acquired in 2013, BRIX aims to build the chain to a national presence and has initiated national franchising efforts behind a new fast casual store design in 2015.

Friendly’s

In January 2021, JAMCO Interests LLC and through their wholly owned entity, Amici Partners Group, LLC (“Amici”), completed the acquisition of Friendly’s Restaurants. Comprised of 130 corporate-owned and franchised restaurant locations, Friendly’s has been a fixture on the East Coast for more than 80 years. Under JAMCO management, the brand is growing in terms of both core comp sales and new store openings utilizing traditional physical sites and ghost kitchen channels.

Red Mango

Since acquiring a controlling interest in Red Mango in 2010, JAMCO Interests LLC has more than doubled the number of units across multiple countries with a committed group of franchisees. Red Mango serves award-winning frozen yogurt, smoothies, parfaits and light food with a successful fresh squeezed juicing program. Re-energizing this well-known brand to focus on healthy adult-centric yogurt offerings provides an excellent platform for growth in both traditional and non-traditional locations.

Smoothie Factory

Smoothie Factory was founded in 1996 by James Villasana, a former Olympic athlete. We serve fresh and nutritious smoothies and fresh squeezed juices as well as nutritional supplements. With over 30 US locations primarily in Texas, Smoothie Factory has a strong brand presence among health and fitness enthusiasts. The brand is now positioned to focus on a wide demographic inspiring the “athlete in all of us” to supplement a healthy lifestyle with our award-winning smoothies and juices.

Orange Leaf

Orange Leaf is a self-serve, choose-your-own-toppings frozen yogurt and treat franchise with more than 90 locations in the U.S. and Mexico. JAMCO Interests acquired the Orange Leaf trademarks and franchise system in 2020 to capitalize on a strong brand in the frozen treats category. Orange Leaf offers a multitude of traditional and unique flavors, including no-sugar-added, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan alternatives. The brand’s “fun for all” offerings allow for a unique and flavorful experience for kids of all ages.

Souper Salad

Souper Salad is an all-you-care-to-eat buffet of fresh salads, homemade soups and fresh-baked breads with locations across the southwestern US. JAMCO Interests acquired Souper Salad in 2014 to capitalize on a strong brand in the growing salad category. Our new Souper Salad concept provides an open-market and contemporary dining experience with high-quality ingredients for today’s health-conscious consumers.

RedBrick Pizza

With its fire-roasted pizzas and flatbread sandwiches made with high-quality organic ingredients, RedBrick Pizza is well-positioned in the high-growth artisan pizza category. Acquired in 2013, BRIX aims to build the chain to a national presence and has initiated national franchising efforts behind a new fast casual store design in 2015.

OUR TEAM

JOHN F. ANTIOCO

JOHN F. ANTIOCO

Managing Partner, JAMCO Interests LLC

John is the Managing Member of JAMCO Interests LLC, the principal owner of BRIX Holdings, LLC and Chairman of BRIX. As an operating partner of TriArtisan Capital Advisors LLC and its predecessors, John participated in the acquisition of both TGI Friday’s and P.F. Chang’s® and served as interim Chairman and CEO of TGI Friday’s and CEO for P.F. Chang’s following those acquisitions. Prior to joining BRIX, John served as Chairman of Rave Cinemas and Chairman and CEO of Blockbuster, Taco Bell and Circle K. JAMCO is also the majority owner of Amici Partners Group, LLC which owns and operates Friendly’s®. JAMCO is a member of TriArtisan TGIF Partners LLC, the majority owner of TGIF Holdings LLC which owns and operates TGI Friday’s® with over 900 restaurants in 60 countries worldwide. Antioco began his career at the 7-Eleven convenience store chain and held numerous senior management positions during his 20-year tenure including Senior Vice President for the 8,000-outlet chain with responsibility for worldwide operations and marketing.

LARRY ZINE

LARRY ZINE

Member, JAMCO Interests LLC, Financial Advisor

Larry is a member of JAMCO Interests LLC, the principal owner of BRIX Holdings, LLC. He is the financial advisor of BRIX Holdings and also serves as the financial advisor for Friendly’s Restaurants. Larry previously served as Chief Financial Officer of P.F. Chang’s and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Blockbuster, Inc. He also served as Chief Financial Officer, President and Board Member of Petro Stopping Centers, a national chain of truck stops. He began his career at the Circle K convenience store chain and held various management positions there including Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

MITZI BROWN

MITZI BROWN

Member, JAMCO Interests LLC, Chief Legal Officer and Vice President of Business Development

Mitzi is the Chief Legal Officer and Vice President of Business Development of BRIX Holdings, LLC. She also serves as Chief Legal Officer and Vice President of Business Development for Friendly’s Restaurants through a shared services arrangement between BRIX and Friendly’s Restaurants. Mitzi is a member of JAMCO Interests LLC, the majority owner of Amici Partners Group, LLC which owns and operates Friendly’s®. Prior to joining BRIX, she was Associate Corporate Counsel and later Vice President of Legal & Digital Content at Blockbuster.

SHERIF MITYAS

SHERIF MITYAS

Operating Partner

Sherif serves as an Operating Partner for JAMCO Interests LLC. He focuses on supporting the group in the areas of strategic positioning, growth, M&A, and as a strategic resource for the management teams of the current portfolio companies including BRIX Holdings, LLC and Amici Partners Group, LLC. Prior to this role, Mityas has held various executive positions in consulting and the retail-restaurant industry sectors most notably as the chief experience officer for TGI FRIDAYS and as the chief executive officer for Hollywood Video/Movie Gallery.

PRESS & NEWS

Blog: Celebrating Women In Leadership

March is Women’s History Month, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the month than by recognizing some of the tremendous women in key leadership roles within our JAMCO Interests family of companies. I know I speak for everyone in our organization when I say...

Friendly’s Opens 1st Fast Casual Prototype

Nearly a month after announcing that Friendly's would open a fast casual version, the 86-year-old company has opened its doors to Friendly's Cafe in Westfield, Massachusetts. The concept serves Friendly's menu items in a fast casual environment, allowing guests the...

Blog: Food For Thought – 2022 Restaurant Trends Worth Considering

Although, as Yogi Berra said, “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future,” I feel fairly confident about a few major trends that will impact the restaurant industry’s future. The most obvious trend coming out of the pandemic is that the availability...

Friendly’s to launch a quick-service café model in Westfield

Friendly’s is going modern with Friendly’s Café, a concept whose pilot location will open on Westfield’s East Main Street in early February. Unlike its predecessors, this branch will specialize in counter-service ordering, curbside takeout, and delivery. Those who...

Blog: Welcome to the Great ReValuation

Numbers typically don’t lie, but like any data, they can tell different stories depending on the way you look at things. People have labeled our current staffing crisis as the “Great Resignation.” With record low unemployment, many businesses are struggling to lure...

JAMCO Interests LLC Names Sherif Mityas as President of BRIX Holdings

DALLAS, Jan. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- JAMCO Interests LLC (JAMCO) announced today the additional role for Operating Partner Sherif Mityas as the new BRIX Holdings President. In addition to his role with the JAMCO portfolio group, Mr. Mityas will now also have overall...

JAMCO Interests LLC Appoints New Chief Technology Officer Carissa DeSantis

DALLAS, Dec. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- JAMCO Interests LLC (JAMCO), a leading restaurant investment portfolio group, today announced the appointment of Carissa DeSantis as their Chief Technology Officer. Ms. DeSantis has more than 15 years of experience as a technology...

Blog: 5 Issues Facing Today’s Fast Casual Restaurant Industry

Many things in the restaurant industry have changed since the pandemic’s onset. For businesses that survived the past two years, considerable hurdles continue to test even the savviest management teams. We spoke to industry veteran, John Antioco, who is founder,...

Orange Leaf Introduces Online Ordering And New Mobile App With Loyalty Perks

Orange Leaf frozen yogurt, a growing national franchise, has announced a partnership with Olo, a cloud-based e-commerce platform for the restaurant industry, to provide online ordering for Orange Leaf customers. In addition, the franchise has launched a new mobile app...

Blog: My Evolution as a Serial Entrepreneur

As an eight-time CEO and board member of some the most iconic businesses in the country, I think it’s safe to say I have learned how to navigate the C-suite and the board room. Over the years, I have experienced the highs of business success, the thrill of...

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