New Investment Group Relaunches Cicis

Cicis has emerged from Chapter 11 protection in less than two months with a reorganization that will strengthen the corporate team, operations, and the brand’s financial structure. The deal was set into motion when Cicis was acquired by D&G Investors, a new group formed by Applebee’s franchisee SSCP Management and Mooyah Burgers owner Gala Capital Partners.

The sale included nearly 300 Cicis Pizza restaurants in more than 30 states, JMC Restaurant Distribution, and all of its assets and subsidiaries. Financial details of the acquisition were not made available.

Anand Gala, founder and managing partner of Gala Capital Partners, along with Chris, Sunil, and Puja Dharod, principals of SSCP Management, created D&G Investors.

“Chris, Sunil, and I are franchisee-focused leaders that share very similar principles in how we nurture and grow franchise systems. We are geared towards nurturing the success of our franchisees on a local level,” said Anand Gala. “At the same time, we see an enormous opportunity to use the proven business model Cicis has and expand on it to grow the franchise system into its potential.”

The new owners plan to scale the concept and refine unit-level economics through operational and supply chain efficiencies.

“Cicis has so many attributes that are appealing and we believe in a bright future in this post-pandemic world,” said Gala Capital Partners’ Chris Dharod. “While the pandemic has been a difficult time for many restaurant brands, not just Cicis, the brand does have staying power because of the strength of the brand and the business model. We are committed to advancing the company and working closely with franchisees to grow their businesses together.”

Cicis headquarters will remain in the Dallas area.