Rock Bottom, Gordon Biersch chains merge

Centerbridge Capital Partners today announced today the formation of CraftWorks Restaurants and Breweries, essentially a merger of the Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Group and Rock Bottom Restaurants, which operates both brewery restaurants and the Old Chicago casual dining chain. The companies will be subsidiaries of CraftWorks and will retain their brands.

“The combined business becomes the nation’s leading operator and franchisor of brewery and craft beer-focused casual dining restaurants with nearly 200 owned and franchised locations across the United States,” a press release states. CraftWorks’ primary concepts include Old Chicago, Rock Bottom and Gordon Biersch.

CraftWorks is headed by Frank Day and Allen Corey. Day, founder of Rock Bottom, will serve as Chairman of the Board and Corey as President and CEO of CraftWorks.

“This merger marks a new era for both Rock Bottom and Gordon Biersch and I am very excited about the growth potential that the future holds for CraftWorks,” Day said for a press release.

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Group was formerly majority owned by Hancock Park Associates. Rock Bottom Restaurants was owned by founder Frank Day and his investment group.

More information is available at the new company’s website.