The only public company on this list, Ark Restaurants is approached about once a quarter by investment bankers to go private, said CEO Michael Weinstein in the company’s latest earnings call. But Ark is not looking to sell. “We are really, really comfortable in our business right now,” he said.
The company has grown partly through its recreational partnerships, operating concepts in venues such as Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey and New York-New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Ark is also known for operating concepts in high-profile scenic spots; they include three of Restaurant Business’ Top 100 Independents: Bryant Park Grill, Sequoia and Rustic Inn.
Concepts: America, Broadway Burger Bar & Grill, Bryant Park Grill, Canyon Road, Center Cafe, Clyde Frazier’s, Durgin-Park, El Rio Grande, Gallagher’s Burger Bar, Gallagher’s Steakhouse, Gonzalez y Gonzalez, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Food Court, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa Food Court, Lucky Seven, MGM Grand Food Court, Robert, Rustic Inn, Sequoia, Southwest Branch, The Grill At Two Trees, The Sporting House, Thunder Grill, Venetian Casino Resort Food Court, Village Streets, Yolos Mexican Grill