Plano-based IT services and consulting company Repairify has acquired Automotive Training Group, a technical automotive education company.
“ATG is known across the automotive technical training world for the superior quality of its curriculum and trainers, and we believe they are representative of the excellence we strive for,” Cris Hollingsworth, president of Repairify, said. “As we continue our growth trajectory, building out training and development muscle to benefit customers and our large network of technicians will be a key success factor.”
This latest acquisition comes on the heels of Repairify’s acquisition of AutoMobile Technologies, a vehicle reconditioning software for enterprises, and its acquisition of One Guard Inspections, a vehicle inspection company with thousands of certified inspectors throughout the states and Canada.
“We continue to see industry trends firming up across all of our market channels,” Tony Rimas, Repairify’s president and chief business development officer, told D CEO. “The combination of our new product launches and the ongoing recovery in market demand will support our ongoing year-over-year aggressive, double-digit growth trend line.”
Keurig Dr Pepper Acquires Global Rights to Mocktail Brand Atypique
Virgin cocktail brand Atypique’s global rights were acquired by Keurig Dr Pepper from Quebec-based Station Agro-Biotech. In 2021, ready-to-drink cocktails—such as margaritas, gin & tonic and mojitos—experienced a 30 percent spike in sales in Canada, where Atypique has a 42 percent market share.
Beginning in Q4 when the acquisition is expected to close, Atypique will begin being distributed by Keurig Dr Pepper, which produces annual revenue approaching $13 billion. Station Agro-Biotech will continue to be involved in R&D efforts.
“At Keurig Dr Pepper, we strongly believe in innovation to drive growth to meet the evolving beverage needs of consumers,” Ozan Dokmecioglu, CFO and president, international said. “We are excited to add this new platform to our powerful portfolio in Canada, and the global rights to Atypique provides optionality to further expand the brand’s growth potential.”
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Cowboy Chicken Quietly Opens Ghost Kitchen
Wood-fired rotisserie chicken franchise Cowboy Chicken launched Smackbird, a delivery and pick-up-only ghost kitchen. Smackbird specializes in Nashville hot chicken tenders and sandwiches and is operated out of Cowboy Chicken’s existing restaurants.
Smackbird was launched in November 2020 to increase sales during the pandemic. The ghost kitchen has had a positive financial impact on the stores it’s been placed in. As a result, Smackbird operations will be added to two more Cowboy Chicken stores this month.
“Adding Smackbird allowed us to take advantage of the extra kitchen capacity that COVID-19 caused, increase sales, and keep our staff at select stores fully employed during a challenging time,” Sean Kennedy, president of Cowboy Chicken, said.
Smackbird’s menu items include chicken sandwiches, chicken tender meals, family packs, and side dishes.
Dallas Gets New Self-Service Dog Grooming Franchise
Bubbly Paws, a self-service dog wash and full-service dog grooming salon headquartered in Minneapolis, is coming to North Texas. The concept, which is slated to open in October, is modeled after upscale hair salons. To date, Bubbly Paws has five locations around Minneapolis and Idaho; its first franchise will open in Charlotte this year, with a Long Island location not far behind.
“This fantastic spa experience delivers a unique customer solution that is in tune with the markets in the DFW area. I am really excited to open our first store in our hometown,” Owner Alvaro Novoa said. “This premium spa concept for dog grooming allows dog parents to truly pamper their dogs in a premium facility with the best groomers, products and services,” Owner Amanda Novoa continued.
Bubbly Paws, which reported $1.5 million in sales at year’s end May 2021, plans to deliver custom-themed Texas products for its retail vertical when the franchise opens.
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Ben Swanger
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