Acquisition sparks evolution of upscale bar experience and sets stage for nationwide expansion
Dallas, TX (RestaurantNews.com) CRÚ Food & Wine Bar, renowned for its sommelier-curated wine and modern American cuisine, has launched a rebranding initiative under new ownership, signaling a fresh era of growth and evolution of the wine bar experience.
The majority acquisition, finalized on July 30, comes from an investment group led by Simon Bozas, a seasoned hospitality financial executive with more than two decades of experience in the food and beverage industry. Known for developing upscale dining concepts in airports and other high-volume environments, Bozas will now serve as the brand’s CFO. The acquisition includes CRÚ’s full portfolio, staff and all current locations across Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and Colorado.
“We identified a significant gap in the wine bar market,” said Bozas. “While it’s filled with many concepts and operators, there is not one true dominant national favorite. CRÚ has a unique opportunity to lead that space and build an elevated experience rooted in quality and hospitality.”
“This next chapter is about refinement and growth,” said CRÚ Founder and CEO Patrick Colombo. “We’re raising the bar across design, service and selection to create a wine bar experience that truly stands out.”
As part of its evolution, guests can expect a polished, modernized experience across both new and existing locations. Updates include thoughtful design enhancements and a reimagined culinary and beverage program featuring chef-driven dishes, an extensive wine list of boutique and global labels and a top-scale spirits selection that complements the brand’s wine-first identity. New locations will offer event spaces for private dining experiences and corporate events. Additionally, the brand is developing a new e-commerce platform that will offer direct-to-door delivery, allowing guests to enjoy its curated wine collection and exclusive glassware from the comfort of home.
CRÚ currently operates 10 locations across four states and three major airports. With a strong ownership group in place and a new CEO joining soon, the brand is positioned for aggressive growth. Expansion will begin with new openings in Atlanta and Dallas in 2026, followed by Greenville, South Carolina and additional markets in 2027. The company is targeting four to six new locations in the next year, with plans to reach 25 total locations within three years.
To support this momentum, CRÚ is actively hiring across management and store-level roles, including executive team members, general managers, sommeliers, kitchen leads and service staff. These new hires will help shape the future of the brand as it transforms the wine bar experience for the modern guest.
For more information on new locations or hiring opportunities, visit CRUWineBar.com.
About CRÚ Food & Wine Bar
Founded in Dallas in 2002, CRÚ Food & Wine Bar was created to make the wine experience approachable, enjoyable and free of pretense. As one of the first wine bars in Texas to offer 30 wines by the glass and over 300 bottles from around the world, CRÚ combines expertly curated wine selections with chef-driven, Napa-style cuisine in a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. With locations across Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Colorado and in three major airports, CRÚ continues to set the standard for modern wine bars through its commitment to quality, hospitality and accessibility. For more information, visit CRUWineBar.com.
Contact:
Chandler Ray
Champion
817-694-2523
cray@championmgt.com