Under R&R’s guidance, Brio will lean into Tuscan sophistication. | Photo: Shutterstock
Brio Italian Grill and Bravo Italian Kitchen have a new investor and management company.
R&R Brands, the new multibrand restaurant group led by industry veteran Scott Taylor, has made a strategic investment in the two Italian casual-dining chains, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August. It will also take over as manager of the brands.
As of the bankruptcy filing, Brio and Bravo were owned and operated by Earl Enterprises, the parent company of Bertucci’s, Planet Hollywood and Earl of Sandwich. It was unclear how much of a stake Earl maintains under the new agreement, which closed Oct. 6.
At R&R, Brio and Bravo will join three small full-service brands—Party Fowl, Cody’s Original Roadhouse and Santa Fe Cattle Co.—along with multiple locations of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, and two movie theaters.
And with a combined 48 units across 20 states, Brio and Bravo will more than double R&R’s footprint to nearly 85 locations in 23 states.
“This is a defining moment for our company,” Taylor said in a statement. “Bravo and Brio are household names with deep guest loyalty and incredible untapped potential. We’re stepping in with fresh energy, proven operational expertise and a clear vision to deliver the next great chapter for both brands.”
As it looks to revitalize the sister concepts, R&R will highlight each chain’s distinct identities. At the more upscale Brio, that will mean embracing Tuscan sophistication, seasonal ingredients and a wine country vibe, the company said. Bravo, meanwhile, will focus on family friendly Italian-American fare, such as chicken Parmesan, baked pasta and lasagna, in an upbeat atmosphere.
“Together, they give guests two distinct ways to enjoy Italian dining, all under the strength of one portfolio,” said Erin Amadeo, CMO of R&R, in a statement.
The chains will need some help after their second bankruptcy filing in five years. The Orlando-based company cited macroeconomic factors such as rising costs and softer consumer spending. Systemwide sales at Brio declined 5.5% in 2024 and 7.1% at Bravo, according to Technomic data. Brio had 31 units at the end of last year and Bravo had 25, all company-owned.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based R&R was formed earlier this year by Taylor and real estate and restaurant investor Shane Morrison. It plans to use its scale and operational acumen to help support its various brands along a path to long-term growth.
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Dining and Cooking