SERVUS sells Long John Silver’s franchises

Jasper-native Bob Ruckriegel opened the third-ever Long John Silver’s restaurant franchise in 1969. Over the last 49 years, his company, SERVUS has opened 75 more.

Operating mainly in Indiana, Kentucky and southwestern Michigan, SERVUS was the company’s largest franchisee. But on Monday, Long John Silver’s announced it had purchased all of Ruckriegel’s franchises, according to a news release from the company. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“This brand holds a special place in my heart and we’re very proud of the work we’ve put into these restaurants for the last 49 years,” states Bob Ruckriegel. “I know these restaurants and the team running them are in great hands.”y

This acquisition grows the LJS’ company-owned system to 200 restaurants and includes the addition of SERVUS highly experienced operations team. All the employees of the restaurants maintained their positions in the company as part of the change.

SERVUS! is also still the LJS’ largest shareholder.

“This is an excellent opportunity to continue our brand revitalization,” said Brian Unger, president and COO of Long John Silver’s. “We’re thrilled to add an extensive line-up of well-performing restaurants to our company-owned portfolio and to continue the legacy that Bob has left behind.”

Long John Silver’s recently began the process of revitalizing its brand, swapping the nostalgic Cape Cod building elements for clean, nautical-themed lines of a new design. The newly renovated restaurants have already reported double-digit growth and the newest Long John Silver’s locations from SERVUS in Indiana will showcase this fresh, contemporary change as well as adding the brand’s new grilled platform to the restaurants.

The brand shifted from a 100 percent franchised system and began acquiring restaurants in late 2015. Today, Long John Silver’s owns 20 percent of the restaurants in its system, making it the largest restaurant operator for the brand.

With the change, SERVUS! stated their focus will be to continue to strengthen their four remaining chains; Wendy’s, Grandy’s, Denny’s and now McCallister’s as well as the Jasper 8 theatre.