‘The pandemic compelled some decisions’

The iconic Legal Sea Foodstuff restaurant chain is finding a new owner, president and CEO Roger Berkowitz verified to the Herald on Tuesday.

Legal’s 25-in addition restaurants have been offered to PPX Hospitality Makes, a Hub-centered hospitality group that owns Smith & Wollensky steakhouses.

The sale also involves the invest in of Legal’s Quality Manage Center positioned in the Seaport. PPX will now own and run all cafe concepts below the Authorized Sea Meals banner, such as airport areas.

Berkowitz, 68, mentioned that the coronavirus pandemic — which has crippled the cafe industry — aided push this offer alongside.

“The pandemic pressured some conclusions on our aspect,” he advised the Herald.

His family members opened the famous cafe business a lot more than 50 many years ago.

When requested if this sale would have took place if the pandemic by no means hit, Berkowitz claimed, “Probably not,” but he extra, “While the pandemic has been horrific, the silver lining is it will allow us some opportunities.”

Berkowitz mentioned he will be concentrating on the e-commerce and retail aspect of Legal’s manufacturer.

He will retain distinctive possession rights of the Authorized Sea Foodstuff title in channels exterior of restaurant operations, these as e-commerce and retail.

“Yes, we’re providing the restaurant channel, but we are moving into extra e-commerce and retail,” he stated.

Berkowitz additional that his family members over the a long time has “always tailored more than time to new options.”

“In everyday living, you have to pivot,” he claimed. “Take a glimpse at the landscape, and glimpse in advance to the upcoming.”

Lawful Sea Food items personnel have been invited to remain as aspect of the team. When fully operational, PPX reported it hopes to employ 3,000 individuals throughout all 3 corporations.

PPX has a “long-time period view” for Lawful, and designs to ramp up with enlargement following the pandemic, Berkowitz said.

He included, “The manufacturer will dwell on.”

PPX, established final calendar year and headquartered in Medford, is incorporating Legal to its collection of restaurant brands, together with Smith & Wollensky and Strega Italiano.

Chef Matt King, chief culinary officer for PPX, stated in a statement, “At Legal Sea Meals, we will proceed the Legal legacy of sourcing the very best seafood out there by pinpointing community associates that source, harvest, and process only the freshest high-quality seafood for a definitely memorable pier-to-plate food.”