The company behind the social entertainment concepts Puttshack, F1 Arcade and Poolhouse has a new co-owner.
Robert Johnson, a real estate investor and tenant representative in the U.K. and U.S., has acquired a 50% stake in Emerging Concepts, also a real estate brokerage platform and a strategic partner to a number of technology-focused food-and-entertainment concepts, as well as the Museum of Ice Cream, Flagship Restaurant Group (Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Plank, Pyro and more), and JF Restaurants (North Fork Table & Inn, Iris, The Wall Street Hotel and more).
Terms were not disclosed, but Johnson has become managing partner, overseeing the day-to-day.
Mathew Focht, who founded the company 15 years ago, will remain involved as partner but will shift his focus to capital allocation through The Emerging Fund, a vehicle he also established to invest in next-generation hospitality and experiential brands, the company said.
“Emerging Concepts has been pivotal in scaling some of the most successful restaurant and entertainment concepts in the country,” Focht said in a statement. “Robert has been instrumental in building our foundation over the last decade. His leadership, passion and strategic insight make him the ideal partner to lead our next chapter.”
The Chicago-based Emerging Fund launched in 2023 and had attracted contributions from a number of well-known restaurant operators and tech executives, including FB Society founder and CEO Randy DeWitt; Puttshack and Flight Club co-founder Adam Breeden; Chowly founder and CEO Sterling Douglass; and Avero founder and former CEO Damian Mogavero.
Emerging Concepts, meanwhile, offers strategic infrastructure for early-stage concepts, managing everything from customer data intelligence and site selection, to transaction services and investor alignment, the company said.
“Emerging Concepts has become a preferred partner for best-in-class restaurant and retail brands growing across the country,” said Johnson, in a statement. “We see real potential for growth, driven by strong demand from industry-leading operators who are seeking strategic guidance on key expansion decisions, and a partner who truly cares about their long-term success.”
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