Metro Franchising operates 105 Dunkin’ locations in the New York City metropolitan area. | Photo courtesy of Dunkin’.

Some investors appear still willing to support restaurants.

Beach Point Capital Management has made an investment in Metro Franchising, one of the largest franchisees in the Dunkin’ system, the private equity firm said this week.

Metro Franchising operates 105 stores in the New York City region. Stuart Cohen, CEO and co-founder, and Paul Waltzer, president and co-founder, remain partners.

Beach Point purchased the operator’s previous private equity sponsor, Quilvest Capital Partners.

The investment “represents a new chapter for Metro Franchising,” Cohen said in a statement, noting that the deal will help the franchisee accelerate its growth.

Beach Point CEO Bordon Lai noted that Dunkin’ is “an iconic brand that delivers great value to millions of loyal customers across North America,” adding that Cohen and Waltzer “have made Metro Franchising one of the top franchisees.” have done in the system”. .”

Metro Franchising was founded in 1998. Beach Point, based in Santa Monica, California, has $17 billion in assets under management.

Private equity firms in particular have been more cautious about investing in restaurant businesses in recent years, particularly as profit and sales difficulties have put pressure on the industry.

The investment in Metro Franchising shows that capital remains available to high-performing franchisees of good brands and good markets – despite recent sales and traffic weakness.

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