About Us

BBQ Holdings is a dynamic and growing enterprise that owns and operates several different restaurant Brands across the United States, Canada and UAE. The company's primary focus is on growth and profitability, and it has a track record of success in expanding its operations and increasing revenue.

With a commitment to innovation and quality, BBQ Holdings has built a reputation for excellence in the restaurant industry. Its portfolio of brands includes a diverse range of concepts, from fast-casual to full-service dining, each with its own unique style and menu offerings.

Driven by a passion for food and a dedication to hospitality, the team at BBQ HOldings works hard every day to ensure that each Brand in its portfolio delivers exceptional service and high quality, innovative food. The company's success is built on a foundation of hard work, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of the restaurant business.

As the company continues to grow and expand, its focus remains firmly on profitability, with a commitment to delivering value to Franchise Parterns and Guests alike. With a proven track record of success and a clear vision for the future, this restaurant company is poised for continued growth and success in the years ahead.

In the fall of 2022 Canadian-based MTY Group completed the acquisition of BBQ Holdings, Inc. MTY Group is a franchisor and operator of multiple restaurant brands, including Tiki-Ming, Thai Express, and Jugo Juice, among others.

The acquisition of BBQ Holdings provides MTY Group with a strong foothold in the U.S. restaurant market, as well as access to BBQ Holdings' portfolio of brands, including Famous Dave's, Village Inn, Granite City Food & Brewery, and Barrio Queen.

MTY Group has stated that it plans to leverage its expertise in Franchising and Brand Management to drive growth and profitability across BBQ Holdings' portfolio of brands.

The acquisition of BBQ Holdings represents a strategic move for MTY Group, as it seeks to expand its presence in the North American restaurant market. With a strong portfolio of Brands and a proven track record of success, BBQ Holdings is well-positioned to contribute to MTY Group's continued growth and success in the years ahead.

OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM

 
Al Hank photo

Al HANK
Co-Chief Operations Officer

  • Al Hank’s restaurant industry career began in 2005 as an hourly team member with Famous Dave’s. He went on to hold various management roles at the company, including Senior Director of Strategy and Development, Franchise Business Consultant and Senior Vice President of Operations. In 2021, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer at BBQ Holdings.

    Hank is responsible for driving the company’s strategic direction, technology roadmap, oversight of marketing initiatives and driving strategic growth. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in expanding the company’s reach and innovate mindset.

Adam Lehr photo

ADAM LEHR
Co-Chief Operations Officer

  • Adam Lehr leads BBQ Holdings’ restaurant level operations with responsibilities for both corporate and franchise locations for the Company’s 11 brands. Lehr is responsible for the Company’s increasing profitability through franchise growth as well as corporate top line sales and increased EBITDA through improved operational effectiveness. He also oversees the company’s ongoing expansion efforts executed by the training department.

    Lehr is a restaurant-industry veteran, holding various positions of progressive responsibility over the last 15 years, with concepts such as Rojo Mexican Grill, Kona Grill, and Sodexa USA. Lehr’s experience includes single-brand, multi-brand, corporate and franchise restaurant operations. Lehr has also owned and operated an independent Italian restaurant concept. His diverse experiences bring both structured and innovative restaurant operational solutions to MTY.

    Lehr holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he was also a captain and scholarship athlete in football.