Local Favorite Restaurants Expanded Portfolio in 2026
The Dallas-based hospitality group acquired the Cotton Patch Café chain in June 2026.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Dining Out
Live Poll
Do you believe companies that prioritize employee development achieve better long-term success?
Local Favorite Restaurants, which manages 100 locations across ten distinct brands, grew its footprint in June 2026 with the acquisition of Cotton Patch Café. This strategic move added 46 new sites to the company portfolio, which is headquartered in Dallas.
Why it matters
The company prioritizes a people-first organizational philosophy and relies on brand diversification to maintain appeal among local customers. By sharing training and operational systems across its concepts, the group aims to ensure continued sales growth.
The company now operates 10 concepts across 100 total locations, supported by a workforce of 3,000 employees. The portfolio includes the historic 108-year-old El Fenix restaurant, which was acquired by Mike Karns in 2008.
The players
Local Favorite Restaurants
This Dallas-based hospitality group manages a diverse portfolio of ten distinct dining concepts.
Mike Karns
He is the business leader who has directed the growth of the firm since acquiring El Fenix in 2008.
Cotton Patch Café
This restaurant chain was brought into the Local Favorite Restaurants portfolio in June 2026.
Kyle Wright
He serves as the vice president of marketing for the hospitality organization.
Kailey Peck
She serves as the chief of staff for the company, having joined the executive team in late 2025.
The details
The firm operates by consolidating training, culinary standards, and operational systems across its diverse brands to create value. Mike Karns leads the acquisition strategy, specifically targeting brands that resonate with him personally.
Timeline
Mike Karns acquired the El Fenix restaurant in 2008.
The firm transitioned from Firebird Restaurant Group to its current name in 2019.
All company brands reported year-over-year sales growth in 2025.
Kailey Peck joined the executive team in late 2025.
The acquisition of Cotton Patch Café was completed in June 2026.
Culture Shift
The expansion follows the industry trend of consolidating multi-concept restaurant groups to leverage shared operational systems and back-office efficiency. This strategy allows the firm to maintain brand diversity while scaling total location counts across the region.
Customers can expect the company to maintain its existing service standards while potentially integrating new menu items or operational efficiencies learned from the Cotton Patch acquisition. Diners across Dallas may see consistent branding and shared service protocols across the company's various local concepts.
The takeaway
The company relies on a centralized management model to integrate diverse restaurant concepts under one operational umbrella. This approach allows the business to scale its footprint while preserving the individual character of its acquired legacy brands.
Further reading
For more on the changing landscape of regional dining, visit Dining Out.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nation's Restaurant News.
Live Poll
Do you believe companies that prioritize employee development achieve better long-term success?
