Franchising

Balance Point Capital announces investment in 35 Taco Bell stores

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January 20, 2022

Balance Point Capital, in conjunction with its affiliated funds, Balance Point Capital Partners III, L.P. and Balance Point Capital Partners V, L.P., has announced its equity investment in ABTB Mid-Atlantic Holding Company, LLC. ABTB owns a portfolio of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC restaurants across the Northern Virginia and DC-Metro areas, according to a press release.

The company is managed by QSR SWN LLC ("Southpaw"), which operates more than 135 QSR locations in attractive markets across seven states. Southpaw is an active acquirer of Taco Bell franchises and expects to continue to grow its network through both acquisitions and unit development. The company intends to begin opening restaurants in the Mid-Atlantic market this year.

"We are delighted to partner with Southpaw on this transaction," Seth Alvord, managing partner of Balance Point, said in the release. "Southpaw has an impressive track record as an owner and operator of QSRs and has selected a quality portfolio of restaurants in a highly attractive market. Taco Bell is a world-class brand, and we are excited to participate in its continued innovation."

"We are thrilled to have Balance Point as a partner today and going forward," Judd Wishnow, co-founder of Southpaw, said in the release. "This is a high-quality portfolio of Taco Bells in a dynamic, affluent region. The units have performed well and are led by a highly capable and experienced field team. Balance Point's flexibility, deployment capabilities, and ability to work quickly toward a solution were critical to completing this transaction and will be invaluable as we continue to expand."

Southpaw was founded in 2009 by Judd Wishnow and Erica Wishnow. Southpaw's portfolio is comprised of more than 135 total Taco Bell and Dunkin' restaurants across seven states, and it employs approximately 3,500 employees.

Balance Point Capital is an alternative investment manager focused on the lower middle market.