Taco Bell Franchisee Divests Houston Portfolio

Mas Restaurant Group has sold 44 of its Houston-area Taco Bell locations to Ghai Restaurant Group, marking a portfolio restructuring for the Bessemer Investors-backed franchisee.

The transaction leaves MRG operating 79 remaining Taco Bell units split between Houston and Columbus, Ohio. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Bessemer Investors, a New York-based private equity firm, has backed MRG since 2018 alongside CEO Chad Motsinger and CFO Ben Walsh. During the partnership, the franchisee expanded through organic growth and inorganic deals, including the 2021 acquisition of CL Companies in Ohio.

Strategic Shift

"Our partnership with MRG over the past seven and a half years has been a resounding success, and this sale marks the next step in the Company's progression," said Andrew Mendelsohn, Managing Director at Bessemer. "This outcome would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the entire MRG team, and we are pleased to continue supporting them through the next chapter."

Mozsinger emphasized the company's operational foundation heading into the next phase. "MRG's success has always been rooted in the strength of our culture and the exceptional team we have built, united by a commitment to delivering best-in-class service to our customers," he said. "Our people are the heart of our business, and we could not have accomplished this without the dedication of our team."

Walsh added: "I am proud of the service we've delivered to our communities in Columbus and Houston, and I am excited to continue to work at MRG alongside Bessemer in this next phase of growth."

Piper Sandler & Co and Unbridled Capital served as financial advisors. Sidley Austin LLP provided legal counsel.

Why It Matters

For operators tracking QSR consolidation, this sale signals active portfolio optimization among established franchisees. While Bessemer retains its stake, the divestiture suggests MRG is rightsizing its footprint—possibly to focus resources on higher-performing markets or to unlock capital. The move also reflects continued appetite from regional operators like Ghai to acquire proven Taco Bell units in competitive markets.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors