Founders Table Acquires Hopdoddy Burger Bar

The multi-brand platform announced Wednesday that it has acquired Austin-based Hopdoddy Burger Bar, adding one of the original players in the better-burger movement to a collection that now spans more than 200 restaurants across 18 states and generates nearly $500 million in systemwide sales.

Founded in 2010, Hopdoddy helped define the premium burger category with a menu centered on chef-driven ingredients, creative flavor combinations, craft beverages, and an elevated fast-casual experience. The brand currently operates 47 restaurants nationwide, including more than 30 locations in Texas.

The acquisition continues Founders Table’s strategy of assembling regional fast-casual brands with strong unit economics and distinct market positions. The company already owns concepts including Chopt, Dos Toros, Protein Bar & Kitchen, and Field Trip.

“Hopdoddy is a standout brand with all the ingredients we look for: a differentiated concept, passionate guest loyalty, and a commitment to quality that resonates across markets,” CEO Nick Marsh said in a statement. “We strongly believe in the power of the Founder’s Table platform to accelerate growth.”

For Hopdoddy, the acquisition means gaining access to Founders Table’s operational resources and nontraditional growth channels.

The burger chain will be integrated into the platform’s proprietary technology systems and incorporated into a licensing and franchise development program that already includes more than 50 open or pipeline locations across the portfolio’s brands. Founders Table said Hopdoddy will benefit from scaled capabilities in operations, technology, real estate, and supply chain management.

The purchase also marks a leadership transition for the brand.

Jeff Chandler, who has served as Hopdoddy’s CEO for the past decade, will step away from day-to-day leadership and remain involved in an advisory role. During his tenure, the company expanded into new markets, strengthened operations, and invested in leadership development while maintaining its focus on food quality.

Longtime VP of operations Kenny Jett has been promoted to president.

“I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand what makes this brand so special—from our incredible team members to the loyal guests who support us every day,” Jett said in a statement. “I’m honored to step into this role and excited to build on the strong foundation we’ve created as we continue growing the brand.”

Founders Table is acquiring the brand at a time when Hopdoddy has been outperforming many of its burger-category peers. The company said earlier this year that it had achieved 12 consecutive periods of positive same-store sales growth, a streak it attributed to a continued focus on food quality and operational execution. In May, Hopdoddy launched its “Obsession” campaign, highlighting made-to-order preparation, responsibly sourced ingredients, and what executives described as growing consumer demand for authenticity and transparency in restaurant food.

Founders Table isn’t done yet either. The company said it continues to seek additional acquisitions of profitable brands that fit its portfolio approach, which emphasizes regional density, operational focus, and shared infrastructure.