Multiconcept operator Earl Enterprises added BRIO Italian Grille and BRAVO! Italian Kitchen to its restaurant portfolio by acquiring the assets of both chains from FoodFirst Global Restaurants.

FoodFirst filed for bankruptcy in mid-April and Earl Enterprises quickly emerged as a leading suitor to acquire the Italian dining concepts. Both BRAVO! and BRIO have locations in 12 states, including Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas and Utah.

“As a bright light in this challenging time, once all locations are fully operational, we look forward to welcoming back more than 4,000 employees who have been in limbo since FoodFirst filed for bankruptcy,” said Robert Earl, chairman of Earl Enterprises.

Earl Enterprises’ restaurant roster includes such concepts as Planet Hollywood, Buca di Beppo, Bertucci’s, Earl of Sandwich, Chicken Guy!, and more.