City Barbeque, LLC (dba City BBQ) is a fast-casual restaurant company focused on authentic, "smoker-to-table" barbeque. City Barbeque serves beef brisket, pulled pork, turkey breast, pulled...
City Barbeque, LLC (dba City BBQ) is a fast-casual restaurant company focused on authentic, "smoker-to-table" barbeque. City Barbeque serves beef brisket, pulled pork, turkey breast, pulled chicken, smoked sausage, bone-in chicken, and St. Louis–cut ribs. City Barbeque smokes meats and makes sides & desserts in each restaurant daily. The company was founded in 1999 in Columbus, OH by former CEO Rick Malir and a team of barbeque enthusiasts who won the American Royal Invitational for the best brisket in the country. In addition to their restaurants, the company offers catering services for both corporate and private events. Though their largest presence is still in Ohio with over 25 locations, the brand now operates over 60 corporate restaurants across Ohio, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina and Wisconsin. The brand has received national publicity and is set for even more growth after partnering with leading private equity firm, Freeman Spogly & Co in 2016. The private company is headquartered in Columbus, OH.
Freeman Spogli & Co is a private equity firm dedicated to investing with management in middle market companies in the consumer and distribution sectors through leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations. The firm has invested over $5.3B in 67 portfolio companies with an aggregate transaction value of over $25B. Current investments include El Pollo Loco, Batteries + Bulbs, Cafe Rio, Planet Fitness, ARHAUS, and more. The firm is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.