A group of Damon’s Grill franchisees have banded together to oppose the proposed sale of Damon’s International Inc. to a North Carolina developer.
Franchisees determined that the purchase “would not be in our best interest,” said Paul Rose, the owner of six Baltimore-area Damon’s restaurants and president of the Damon’s Franchise Advisory Board.
The franchisees expressed concern about several issues, including the finances and background of William Burk, Alliance president, who has faced regulatory complaints in the past.
The group also decided to raise $100,000 to cover legal fees that may be required to fight Alliance Development Group’s proposed acquisition of Damon’s, which is based in Columbus.
“I think everyone has been deeply concerned about this purchase,” Rose said yesterday.
Rose, who hosted a meeting last week in Baltimore that was attended by two-thirds of the nearly three dozen Damon’s franchisees, said the best solution would be for the franchisees to buy the company.
Among those who spoke to the franchisees were Burk and Carl Howard, Damon’s chief operating officer.
Officials of Alliance and Damon’s declined requests for interviews. However, they said in a statement that they are aware of franchisees’ concerns and “We are striving to address them as we complete the sale.”
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