>>FOOD NEWS:Meet this Dayton couple blending food and innovation
A GZK spokeswoman referred questions to AES Restaurant Group President and CEO John Wade, who told this news outlet that the deal has been a long time in the making, and makes sense from a geographic standpoint — the Dayton market is only two hours away from AES Restaurant Group’s headquarters.
"We've always thought that the Dayton market was a prime Arby's market, and we have pursued this for years," Wade said. Working with GZK owner Neil Kaufman, Wade said, "We were finally able to put together a deal that was advantageous for all of us."
Details of the transaction were not disclosed. All GZK employees have been hired by AES, including office support staff and members of the maintenance department, Wade said in a release.
"The same people who have been taking care of Dayton-area Arby's customers for years will continue to do so," Wade said. "We'll be bringing some freshness to the restaurants, and will sharpen things up."
>>4 Dayton Mall-area restaurants that have shut their doors
After merging the two companies and its operations, AES will launch a remodeling project this summer for Dayton-area restaurants. The renovated restaurants will feature design elements such as wood tones, white brick, subway tiles, stainless steel finishes, and upgraded lighting and landscaping that will deliver an upgraded guest experience, AES officials said in a release.
>>TRY THIS: This local Indian restaurant’s naan and dipping sauces truly make the meal
GZK also had operated a dozen Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken locations until 2014, when it sold the franchise restaurants to Far Hills Development LLC.
Arby’s, founded in 1964, is the second-largest sandwich restaurant brand in the world with more than 3,400 restaurants in seven countries.
About the Author