Rock Bottom, Gordon Biersch acquired by private equity group

Rock Bottom Restaurants and Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Group have combined to become CraftWorks Restaurants and Breweries Inc. Centerbridge Capital Partners, a four-year-old financial firm with about $12 billion in capital under management, formed the combined company by buying both Rock Bottom and Gordon Biersch, which lists two locations in Atlanta.

The combined company says it is the leading operator and franchisor of craft beer-focused casual dining and brewery restaurants, with nearly 200 owned and franchised locations across the U.S. Both Rock Bottom and Gordon Biersch will retain their brands, and the new owners said there are no plans for re-branding or closing any units at this time. CraftWorks maintains dual headquarters in Chattanooga and Louisville, Colo.

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Jeremiah Mcwilliams

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