The transaction marks a significant consolidation for Southpaw, which already manages a portfolio of over 180 Taco Bell and Dunkin' units across several states, including New York, New Jersey, and Kentucky. While financial terms remain private, the sale follows a broader restructuring effort by Mas Restaurant Group, which sold 44 Texas locations to Ghai Restaurant Group earlier this month.

Bessemer Investors, which partnered with the restaurant group in 2018, plans to maintain its stake in the remaining Houston operations. Andrew Mendelsohn, a managing director at the firm, characterized the sale as proof of the operational strength built in the Ohio market since the 2021 acquisition of CL Companies. CEO Chad Motsinger and CFO Ben Walsh confirmed they will continue to oversee the remaining Houston footprint while seeking further growth opportunities within the restaurant sector. Piper Sandler & Co and Unbridled Capital acted as financial advisors for the sale, with legal counsel provided by Sidley Austin LLP.