Atlas Restaurant Group, one of the largest multi-concept restaurant groups in the Mid-Atlantic region, just got a bit bigger.
Baltimore-based Atlas has acquired a controlling interest and majority stake in Big Fish Restaurant Group, a large multi-concept operator in Delaware.
Described as a strategic partnership, the move will bring to 50 the number of restaurants under the Atlas portfolio. Atlas operates 34 restaurants, including the concepts Monarque, Ouzo Bay, The Choptank, The Ruxton and Order of the Ace, all in Maryland. The group also has been growing some of its concepts in Pennsylvania, Texas and Florida.
The Big Fish partnership brings 16 more restaurants into the Atlas family, mostly in Delaware, including the three-unit Big Fish Grill, Salt Air, Torbert Street Social, Sazio Coastal Italian Seafood Kitchen and Crab House. Many of Big Fish’s concepts are in the popular beach town of Rehoboth.
“This partnership represents a pivotal moment in our collective history, marking a significant milestone for Atlas and Big Fish,” said Alex Smith, Atlas’ founder and CEO, in a statement. “As we embark on this exciting journey together, we invite our loyal patrons and esteemed partners to join us in celebrating the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.”
With the deal, the concepts will remain the same and all Big Fish employees will be retained, and Big Fish Co-Founder and Managing Partner Eric Sugrue, as well as president Holly Monaco, will continue in their current positions.
The goal is to bring culinary synergy, and to leverage the strengths of both groups, Atlas said.
“We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with Atlas Restaurant Group,” said Sugrue. “Together, we will continue to innovate, inspire and delight our guests, while keeping standards of excellence across our operations.”
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