Artistry Restaurants Closes Four Hickory Tavern Locations
Artistry Restaurants, a multi-brand operator based in Winter Park, Florida, has closed four locations of its Hickory Tavern bar-and-grill chain. The closures occurred in Mooresville, Huntersville, and Providence Road in North Carolina, as well as a fourth in Columbia-Vista in South Carolina.
The decision to close these units was reportedly due to cannibalization, with some locations being too close to other units. Artistry Restaurants acquired Hickory Tavern last year as part of its strategy to enter a new chapter and focus on strengthening the brand's positioning, supporting its teams, and enhancing the guest experience.
According to CEO Bryan Lockwood, the company regularly evaluates its operations to identify areas where it can operate more efficiently. This process involves directing resources and future investments towards priorities that will best serve the company's teams and guests.
The closures will support Hickory Tavern's long-term plan and strength as a brand, with the company working to retain talent by moving affected team members to opportunities at other restaurants where possible.
Artistry Restaurants is the parent company to seven brands, including Oak & Stone, The Shrimp Basket, The Chapman, and Boca. The nine-unit Oak & Stone, a casual-dining concept with a self-pour Tap Wall, is a growth concept for the group, with the first location opened in Texas this spring and two more planned for Florida.
Artistry Restaurants' Portfolio
| Brand | Number of Units |
|---|---|
| Hickory Tavern | 16 |
| Oak & Stone | 9 |
| The Shrimp Basket | - |
| The Chapman | - |
| Boca | - |
The acquisition of Hickory Tavern was Artistry's first move into the Carolinas, and the company has stated its commitment to strengthening the brand's positioning and supporting its teams and guests.
The company's focus on efficiency and long-term planning is evident in its decision to close underperforming locations and redirect resources towards its priorities. By doing so, Artistry Restaurants aims to create a stronger and more sustainable business model for its brands.
The company's efforts to retain talent and support its team members are also noteworthy, as it demonstrates a commitment to the well-being and development of its employees.
The closure of four Hickory Tavern locations marks a significant step in Artistry Restaurants' strategy to strengthen its brands and operations. The company's focus on efficiency, talent retention, and long-term planning will be crucial in determining its success in the competitive restaurant industry.
