Southpaw, a Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) operator, has acquired a portfolio of 43 Taco Bell locations in Columbus, Ohio. This transaction marks a significant expansion of the company’s footprint in the Midwest and reinforces its presence within the Taco Bell network.
The acquisition brings Southpaw’s total Taco Bell count to over 185 locations across seven states. Combined with its existing Dunkin’ portfolio, the company now operates more than 230 restaurants in nine states, generating over $475 million in annual sales.
The addition of the Columbus portfolio is aimed at scaling Southpaw’s operations in one of the Midwest’s faster-growing metropolitan markets. Southpaw intends to integrate the new locations by leveraging a local leadership team, with plans to direct further investment into regional finance, technology, and operations infrastructure.
Judd Wishnow, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Southpaw, stated that the acquisition aligns with the company’s focus on the Taco Bell brand. He noted that the organisation values the market position and operational standards maintained within the Taco Bell system.
Operational Scale and Portfolio Growth
Since its founding in 2009, Southpaw has focused on a growth strategy centred on both acquisitions and new store development. The company has demonstrated a consistent history of portfolio expansion, with notable acquisitions in recent years:
June 2023: Nearly 40 Taco Bell locations in the Atlanta market.
2024: 16 Taco Bell locations in the Shreveport, Louisiana market.
Erica Spector Wishnow, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, emphasised that the company’s operational focus remains on maintaining cultural consistency and performance standards across its expanding network of approximately 5,000 employees. The transition of the Columbus portfolio will be supported by this existing operational framework to ensure continuity in service and performance across the new sites.
The terms of the transaction remain undisclosed.
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