STOCK TITAN

Red Robin (NASDAQ: RRGB) inks $72.5M refranchising sale of 86 units

(Moderate)
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. announced two major refranchising deals in which subsidiary Red Robin International agreed to sell assets of 86 company-owned restaurants for a total of $72.5 million in cash. Op Burgers will acquire assets related to 69 restaurants across eight states for $62.5 million, while Kuber will acquire assets related to 17 restaurants in Oregon and Washington for $10.0 million, with both buyers assuming certain related liabilities.

After closing, all 86 locations are expected to operate as franchised Red Robin restaurants under long-term franchise agreements. The company intends to use net proceeds from these transactions, together with a previously announced sale of 30 locations to Evergreen Dining, for approximately $96 million in total transaction value to reduce outstanding debt and support refinancing priorities under its “First Choice Plan.”

Positive

  • Company signs refranchising agreements to sell 86 restaurants for $72.5 million in cash, with stated intent to use net proceeds to reduce outstanding debt and support refinancing priorities under its “First Choice Plan.”
  • Together with a previously announced sale of 30 locations, three refranchising transactions represent approximately $96 million in combined value, marking a sizable shift toward a franchise-focused model with experienced multi-unit operators.

Negative

  • None.

Insights

Red Robin moves 86 units to franchise model and plans to pay down debt with about $72.5M in proceeds.

Red Robin is executing a sizable refranchising step by selling assets tied to 86 company-operated restaurants for $72.5 million, while the buyers assume certain liabilities. Post-closing, these locations will be run by experienced franchise operators, Op Burgers and Kuber, under long-term agreements.

The company states it intends to use net proceeds from these deals, together with a previously announced 30-unit refranchising, for approximately $96 million in combined transaction value to reduce outstanding debt and support refinancing priorities in its “First Choice Plan.” That links the transactions directly to balance sheet and liquidity objectives.

Closings are targeted for the second half of 2026, with specific outside dates set in each asset purchase agreement. Execution still depends on customary conditions such as landlord and lender consents and liquor license transfers, so actual impact will hinge on timely, successful completion and subsequent franchise performance.

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement Business
The company signed a significant contract such as a merger agreement, credit facility, or major partnership.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Op Burgers transaction value $62.5 million cash Aggregate purchase price for assets related to 69 restaurants
Restaurants sold to Op Burgers 69 restaurants Company-owned units across IN, KY, MD, NC, OH, PA, SC, VA
Kuber transaction value $10.0 million cash Aggregate purchase price for assets related to 17 restaurants
Restaurants sold to Kuber 17 restaurants Company-owned units in Oregon and Washington
Total value of two new deals $72.5 million Combined consideration for 86 company-owned units
Combined value with Evergreen deal approximately $96 million Three refranchising transactions including prior 30-location sale
Target close Op Burgers on or about July 17, 2026 Subject to customary conditions and an outside date of October 19, 2026
Target close Kuber on or about August 28, 2026 Subject to customary conditions and an outside date of October 2, 2026
Asset Purchase Agreement financial
"entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Op Burgers APA”) with Op Burgers, LLC"
An asset purchase agreement is a legal contract in which a buyer agrees to buy specific assets and contracts of a business rather than buying the company’s stock or ownership. It matters to investors because it determines exactly what is being bought and what liabilities stay behind — like buying the furniture and equipment from a store but not the building or past debts — which affects the deal’s value, taxes and future risk exposure.
refranchising financial
"announces two additional refranchising agreements Red Robin Announces the Sale of 86 Restaurants"
Refranchising is when a company sells or transfers its company-operated locations to independent franchisees who run the business and pay fees or royalties to the company. For investors this is important because it typically brings immediate cash from the sales, reduces the company’s day-to-day operating costs and capital spending, and shifts future profit from direct store sales to steadier fee income—while also reducing control and the potential upside from operating the business directly.
First Choice Plan financial
"to support “First Choice Plan” ENGLEWOOD, Colo., June 15, 2026"
forward-looking statements regulatory
"Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Forward-looking statements in this"
Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.
tactical refranchising initiatives financial
"the Company’s ability to successfully complete tactical refranchising initiatives and on favorable terms"
credit facility covenants financial
"the ability to service debt and comply with credit facility covenants"

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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FAQ

What transactions did Red Robin (RRGB) announce in this Form 8-K?

Red Robin announced two asset purchase agreements to sell assets related to 86 company-owned restaurants for $72.5 million in cash. Following closing, the restaurants will be operated as franchised Red Robin locations under long-term franchise agreements with Op Burgers and Kuber.

How many Red Robin restaurants are being sold to Op Burgers and for how much?

Red Robin International agreed to sell assets related to 69 company-owned Red Robin restaurants to Op Burgers for an aggregate purchase price of $62.5 million in cash. Op Burgers will assume certain liabilities and then operate the locations as franchised restaurants under long-term agreements.

What are the key terms of Red Robin’s transaction with Kuber in this filing?

Red Robin International agreed to sell assets related to 17 company-owned restaurants in Oregon and Washington to Kuber for $10.0 million in cash. Kuber will assume certain related liabilities and, after closing, operate the restaurants as franchised Red Robin locations under long-term franchise agreements.

How does this 8-K relate to Red Robin’s broader refranchising strategy?

These agreements follow a previously announced refranchising of 30 locations to Evergreen Dining. Together, the three transactions represent approximately $96 million in value and support Red Robin’s tactical refranchising initiatives and its “First Choice Plan” focused on strengthening its financial foundation.

How does Red Robin plan to use the proceeds from these refranchising transactions?

Red Robin intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of 86 restaurants, together with the previously announced 30-unit transaction, to pay down outstanding debt and execute on refinancing priorities outlined in its “First Choice Plan,” aiming to strengthen its financial position.

When are the Red Robin refranchising deals with Op Burgers and Kuber expected to close?

The company is targeting closing the Op Burgers transaction on or about July 17, 2026, with an outside date of October 19, 2026. The Kuber transaction is targeted for on or about August 28, 2026, with an outside closing date of October 2, 2026, subject to customary conditions.

What risks or conditions could affect completion of Red Robin’s refranchising deals?

Closings depend on customary conditions, including landlord consents, liquor license transfers, and any required lender consent. The company also cites broader risks such as not fully realizing projected benefits, potential business disruption, and challenges refinancing indebtedness or satisfying credit facility covenants.
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 11, 2026

 

RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 001-34851 84-1573084

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

10000 E. Geddes Avenue, Suite 500

Englewood, Colorado 80112

(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)

(303) 846-6000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

 

Trading
Symbol

 

Name of each exchange on which

registered

Common Stock, $0.001 par value   RRGB   Nasdaq (Global Select Market)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

 

   

 

 

ITEM 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

Op Burgers Transaction

 

On June 11, 2026, Red Robin International, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“RRI”) and wholly owned subsidiary of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (the “Company”), entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Op Burgers APA”) with Op Burgers, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Op Burgers”), pursuant to which RRI agreed to sell certain assets related to 69 company-owned Red Robin restaurants located across Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia, and Op Burgers agreed to assume certain liabilities related to those restaurants, for an aggregate purchase price of $62.5 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments (the “Op Burgers Transaction”). The Op Burgers Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required landlord consents, the transfer of applicable liquor licenses, and the receipt of any required lender consent. RRI is targeting completion on or about July 17, 2026, subject to an outside closing date of October 19, 2026. Upon closing, Op Burgers will operate the restaurants as franchised Red Robin locations pursuant to long-term franchise agreements to be entered into between RRI and Op Burgers at closing.

 

Kuber Transaction

 

On June 11, 2026, RRI entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Kuber APA,” and together with the Op Burgers APA, the “Asset Purchase Agreements”) with Kuber Oregon, LLC, an Oregon limited liability company, and Kuber Washington, LLC, a Washington limited liability company (collectively, “Kuber”), pursuant to which RRI agreed to sell certain assets related to 17 company-owned Red Robin restaurants located in Oregon and Washington, and Kuber agreed to assume certain liabilities related to those restaurants, for an aggregate purchase price of $10.0 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments (the “Kuber Transaction,” and together with the Op Burgers Transaction, the “Transactions”). The Kuber Transaction is subject to customary due diligence and customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required landlord consents, the transfer of applicable liquor licenses, and the receipt of any required lender consent. RRI is targeting completion on or about August 28, 2026, subject to an outside closing date of October 2, 2026. Upon closing, Kuber will operate the restaurants as franchised Red Robin locations pursuant to long-term franchise agreements to be entered into between RRI and Kuber at closing.

 

General

 

The Asset Purchase Agreements contain customary representations, warranties, and covenants of the parties, as well as customary indemnification provisions. Each Asset Purchase Agreement also includes certain termination rights, including the right of either party to terminate if closing has not occurred by the applicable outside closing date. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Transactions to reduce outstanding indebtedness.

 

The foregoing descriptions of the Asset Purchase Agreements and the transactions contemplated thereby do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by, the full text of the Op Burgers APA, which is filed as Exhibit 2.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, and the full text of the Kuber APA, which is filed as Exhibit 2.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

 

On June 15, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing the Transactions. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference in this Item 7.01.

 

The information in this Item 7.01, including the information set forth in Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

Forward-looking statements in this Current Report on Form 8-K regarding the Transactions, including the anticipated timing and completion of the Transactions; the Company’s intended use of proceeds; the operation of the restaurants as franchised locations following closing; and all other statements that are not historical facts are made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on assumptions believed by the Company to be reasonable and speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “outlook,” or “estimate,” or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after such date and cautions investors not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially

 

 1 

 

 

from those described in the statements, including but not limited to the following: the possibility that conditions to the closing of one or both of the Transactions are not satisfied on a timely basis or at all; the possibility of changes in the anticipated timing for closing the Transactions; the Company’s ability to successfully complete tactical refranchising initiatives and on favorable terms; the possibility that the Company may not fully realize the projected benefits of the Transactions, including the anticipated amount and use of proceeds; business disruption during the pendency of or following the Transactions; the impact of the Transactions on the Company’s relationships with employees, franchisees, suppliers, landlords, and other third parties; the ability to extend or refinance maturing indebtedness; the adequacy of cash flows and the cost and availability of capital or credit facility borrowings; the ability to service debt and comply with credit facility covenants; costs associated with lease obligations, including potential contingent lease liability; changes in consumer behavior or preference; geographic concentration in the Western United States; and actions taken by franchisees that could harm the Company’s business or reputation. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with other cautionary statements and risk factors described from time to time in the Company’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, and Form 8-K reports (including all amendments to those reports) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

ITEM 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.   Description
2.1*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2026, by and between Red Robin International, Inc. and Op Burgers, LLC
2.2*   Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2026, by and between Red Robin International, Inc. and Kuber Oregon, LLC and Kuber Washington, LLC
99.1   Press Release, dated June 15, 2026
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

* Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 

 

 2 

 

 

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

  RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.  
     
  Date: June 15, 2026  
       
  By: /s/ Mark Graff  
  Name: Mark Graff  
  Title: Chief Financial Officer  

 

 

 

 

 3 

 

EXHIBIT 99.1

 

 

RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC. ANNOUNCES TWO ADDITIONAL REFRANCHISING

AGREEMENTS

 

Red Robin Announces the Sale of 86 Restaurants for $72.5 million to Support “First Choice Plan”

 

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., June 15, 2026 -- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ: RRGB) ("Red Robin" or the "Company"), a casual dining restaurant chain serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, today announced it has entered into two separate refranchising agreements with experienced multi-unit restaurant operators for the sale of 86 company-owned units for $72.5 million. These units will continue operating under the same Red Robin brand guests love and trust.

 

Under the terms of the agreements and following closing, the new franchisees will acquire and operate restaurants in the following markets:

·Op Burgers, LLC will acquire 69 units based in Kentucky, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia for $62.5 million.
·Kuber Oregon, LLC and Kuber Washington, LLC (“Kuber”) will acquire 17 units based in Oregon and Washington for $10 million.

 

These transactions follow the recent announcement of a refranchise transaction of 30 locations to Evergreen Dining, LLC announced on May 28, 2026. Together, these three transactions (which remain subject to customary due diligence, adjustments, and closing conditions) represent a combined transaction value of approximately $96 million. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from these transactions to pay down outstanding debt and execute on the refinancing priorities outlined in its “First Choice Plan.”

 

Dave Pace, Red Robin's President and Chief Executive Officer said, “Strengthening our financial foundation remains a key priority for the Red Robin team and these transactions are a major step forward toward achieving our goal. Our partnerships with Op Burgers and Kuber introduce experienced operators into the Red Robin system. These teams bring proven track records of delivering exceptional guest experiences and the demonstrated ability to grow into the future.”

 

Pace continued, “These new partnerships with Op Burgers, Kuber, and Evergreen Dining will provide Red Robin with the financial flexibility needed to reduce debt, support our refinancing objectives and accelerate investment system-wide. I look forward to what we will accomplish together for the benefit of our guests, team members and investors.”

 

Op Burgers said, “We have long been impressed by Red Robin’s commitment to great food and great service. We look forward to partnering with the dedicated team members at each location to strengthen and expand their position as the First Choice in these communities.”

 

Kuber said, “Sharing meals is the best way to bring people together. We have always admired Red Robin’s commitment to fostering the community spirit at each of its restaurants. We are excited to work together with these talented teams to welcome even more guests to these Pacific Northwest locations.”

 

These transactions are expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to customary due diligence, adjustments, and closing conditions. Further details are available in the Company’s Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company expects to update guidance following the close of these transactions.

 

About Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ: RRGB)
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (www.redrobin.com), is a casual dining restaurant chain founded in 1969 that operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, Red Robin International, Inc., and under the trade name, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews. We believe nothing brings people together like burgers and fun around our table, and no one makes moments of connection over craveable food more memorable than Red Robin. We serve a variety of burgers and mainstream favorites to Guests of all ages in a casual, playful atmosphere. In addition to our many burger offerings, Red Robin serves a wide array of salads, appetizers, entrees, desserts, signature beverages and Donatos® pizza at select locations. It's easy to enjoy Red Robin anywhere with online ordering available for to-go, delivery and catering. Sign up for the royal treatment by joining Red Robin Royalty® today and enjoy Bottomless perks and delicious rewards across nearly 500 Red Robin locations in the United States and Canada, including those operating under franchise agreements. Red Robin… YUMMM®! 

 

   

 

 

About Op Burgers

Op Burgers is a portfolio company of Alexandrite Management, a special situations private investment firm focused on building and growing enduring, profitable companies. Op Burgers’ management team are experienced multi-unit restaurant operators who are highly familiar with the restaurant and franchisee landscapes in these regions.

 

About Kuber

Kuber Management team is led by Aman Sharma, a seasoned franchise operator with a proven track record in the hospitality, travel center, and food service sectors. He possesses extensive experience in establishing and scaling multiple brands and businesses from inception in multiple states.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements in this press release regarding the transactions, including the anticipated timing and completion of the transactions; the Company’s intended use of proceeds; the operation of the restaurants as franchised locations following closing; and all other statements that are not historical facts are made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on assumptions believed by the Company to be reasonable and speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “outlook,” or “estimate,” or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after such date and cautions investors not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements, including but not limited to the following: the possibility that conditions to the closing of the transactions are not satisfied on a timely basis or at all; the possibility of changes in the anticipated timing for closing the transactions; the Company’s ability to successfully complete tactical refranchising initiatives and on favorable terms; the possibility that the Company may not fully realize the projected benefits of the transactions, including the amount and anticipated use of proceeds; business disruption during the pendency of or following the transactions; the impact of the transactions on the Company’s relationships with employees, franchisees, suppliers, landlords, and other third parties; the ability to extend or refinance maturing indebtedness; the adequacy of cash flows and the cost and availability of capital or credit facility borrowings; the ability to service debt and comply with credit facility covenants; costs associated with lease obligations, including potential contingent lease liability; changes in consumer behavior or preference; geographic concentration in the Western United States; and actions taken by franchisees that could harm the Company’s business or reputation. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with other cautionary statements and risk factors described from time to time in the Company’s Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, and Form 8-K reports (including all amendments to those reports) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Investor Contact RRGB

investor@redrobin.com

 

Media Contact RRGB

media@redrobin.com

 

OR

 

Devin Broda / Caroline Roseman

ICR

Devin.Broda@icrinc.com / Caroline.Roseman@icrinc.com

 

 

   

 

 

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

6 documents