Hickory Tavern, a 20-unit casual-dining chain in North and South Carolina, has been acquired by Florida-based Artistry Restaurants.
The deal brings Artistry’s portfolio to seven brands and marks its entry into the Carolinas. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Hickory Tavern was founded in 1997 and is known for its upscale but approachable bar food. It is a popular community gathering spot in the Carolinas. Over the past two years, the chain overhauled its menu and closed some underperforming locations under CEO Mark Eason, who joined in late 2022.
Eason is no longer with Hickory Tavern, and will be replaced by new President Paul Zito, a representative confirmed. Zito is a longtime restaurateur who spent more than 17 years at Carrabba’s Italian Grill and most recently was director of operations at Mandola’s Italian Kitchen, a casual-dining chain with locations in Texas and Florida.
“Paul Zito’s best-in-class approach and impressive track record revitalizing and building establishments and cultivating high-performance teams will help elevate Hickory Tavern’s position in the market,” said Artistry COO Jason Brooks in a statement.
Artistry said Hickory is a good fit for its group of premium full-service brands, which also includes Oak & Stone, Shrimp Basket, Boca, Atlantic Beer & Oyster and Sandbar Amelia Island—all of which it acquired. The company recently developed an original brand, The Chapman, which is set to open in Winter Park, Florida, this month.
Artistry was founded in 2020 by a group of investors and restaurant executives. Its goal is to acquire and grow restaurant brands.
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