Craveworthy Brands has signed a definitive agreement to acquire New England Authentic Eats LLC, the Massachusetts-based parent company of Papa Gino’s Pizzeria. Following the acquisition’s closing, expected by the end of the year, Craveworthy said it plans to introduce its Wing It On! brand to every Papa Gino’s location across the region.
According to a news release, the acquisition would add more than 160 restaurants and about $160 million in annual revenue to Craveworthy’s platform. It would also expand Craveworthy’s portfolio to nearly 500 locations and strengthen its New England presence.
Craveworthy noted that adding the Wing It On! brand to every Papa Gino’s location would allow Wing It On! to grow from 45 restaurants to more than 145 without building new traditional locations.
In the media release, Craveworthy said it will work with the New England Authentic Eats team to support restaurant and franchise operations through shared purchasing, technology, training, and established systems.
“Papa Gino’s is a New England institution. People grew up on this pizza, and we’re going to honor that,” said Gregg Majewski, CEO and founder of Craveworthy, in the media statement. “We protect what makes a brand special, then put our full platform behind it. With Wing It On!, we can build on that foundation and bring something new to the table.”
Papa Gino’s, founded in East Boston in 1961, is expected to retain its name, menu, and distinct identity following the acquisition. The brand is known as the “Official Pizza of New Englanders.”
Wing It On!, founded in Connecticut in 2011, is known for its wings, sauces, and house-made dips. According to the release, its Medium Buffalo sauce has won first place at the National Buffalo Wing Festival for multiple consecutive years.
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