Hospitality group reimagines two iconic Italian brands with fresh positioning and 48 locations nationwide
Baton Rouge, LA (RestaurantNews.com) R&R Brands, a fast-growing multi-concept hospitality and entertainment company, is making its most transformational move yet with the strategic investment and management of BRAVO! Italian Kitchen and Brio Italian Grille, two beloved full-service Italian dining brands. Known for their loyal guest following and distinct approaches to Italian cuisine, the brands add scale, heritage and growth potential to R&R’s expanding portfolio.
The strategic agreement closed on Oct. 6, bringing 48 company-owned restaurants across 20 states under R&R’s management and operational leadership. The deal significantly expands R&R’s national footprint and strengthens its position in the full-service dining category, which already includes established concepts such as Party Fowl, Cody’s Original Roadhouse, Santa Fe Cattle Co., Celebrity Theatres and several Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux franchise locations.
Integration efforts are already in motion, with R&R’s executive team focused on ensuring a seamless transition. A comprehensive support plan – spanning operations, marketing and technology – will launch this fall as part of a long-term growth strategy to modernize the guest experience, refresh menus and reintroduce BRAVO! and Brio to a new generation of diners.
“This is a defining moment for our company,” said CEO of R&R Brands Scott Taylor. “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.”
“There’s a huge opportunity to breathe new life into these two iconic Italian brands- with refreshed menus, modern marketing and positioning that makes each one stand on its own,” said Erin Amadeo, Chief Marketing Officer of R&R Brands. “Brio will lean further into its Tuscan sophistication and wine-country roots, while BRAVO! will continue to champion family, tradition and celebrations. Together, they give guests two distinct ways to enjoy Italian dining, all under the strength of one portfolio.”
While both concepts celebrate Italian cuisine rooted in quality and hospitality, each will be leaning into a distinct personality designed to resonate with its loyal guest base. Brio Italian Grille will be leaning into polished, Tuscan-inspired sophistication – bold flavors, fresh-grilled proteins and seasonal ingredients served in dining rooms reminiscent of wine country. The experience will feel refined yet approachable, making it a natural fit for professionals, date nights and wine lovers seeking an elevated escape. BRAVO! Italian Kitchen will be embracing its role as the lively, family-friendly Italian-American favorite – with craveable classics like chicken parmesan, baked pastas and lasagna. Its upbeat, celebratory energy will make it the perfect backdrop for everyday dinners and milestone moments alike.
R&R Brands is charging ahead with strategic growth across its portfolio. Its popular Nashville hot chicken concept, Party Fowl, is set for a wide expansion into new markets. Meanwhile, the company just debuted a new Walk-On’s in Jacksonville, Florida, with an additional location planned for Dothan, Alabama before year’s end.
“This strategic investment and management partnership perfectly captures what R&R is all about- building a diverse, high-performing portfolio without sacrificing what makes each concept special,” said Taylor. “Legacy brands still have enormous value when you combine them with the right leadership, partnership structure and strategy. This is just the beginning.”
To learn more about R&R Brands, visit RandRBrands.com.
About R&R Brands
R&R Brands is a parent company and embedded operating partner built by operators, for operators. With nearly 85 locations across 23 states and a team behind more than 1000 restaurant openings nationwide, R&R delivers strategic, sleeves-rolled-up support across operations, marketing, finance and systems — without sacrificing what makes each brand stand out. Backed by Morrison Companies, the group exists to grow exceptional restaurant and entertainment concepts with real alignment, operational integrity and long-term value creation. For more information, visit RandRBrands.com.
About Brio Italian Grille
Founded in 1992 in Columbus, Ohio, Brio Italian Grille is evolving into a polished-casual concept that channels the lively spirit of Tuscany through bold flavors, premium steaks, fresh seafood, handmade pastas and seasonal ingredients. Guests enjoy a modern wine-country atmosphere, premium wines and signature cocktails, along with weekday happy hours and Sunday brunch. Brio remains a favorite for professionals, wine lovers and guests seeking a refined yet approachable Italian dining experience. For more information, visit BrioItalian.com.
About BRAVO! Italian Kitchen
Founded in 1992 in Columbus, Ohio, BRAVO! Italian Kitchen offers a warm, celebratory atmosphere built around Italian-American classics made from scratch. Its diverse menu features crowd-pleasing favorites like chicken parmesan, baked pastas, fresh seafood and crispy flatbreads, alongside weekday happy hours, Martini Wednesdays, Wine Thursdays and Sunday brunch. Designed for families, group dining and special occasions, BRAVO! delivers comfort, tradition and togetherness – a modern Italian kitchen where every guest feels at home. For more information, visit BRAVOItalian.com.
Contact:
Chandler Ray
Champion
817-694-2523
cray@championmgt.com