Al Bhakta
Principal, CMG Companies
Al Bhakta has been in the franchise industry since 2001 and has owned, operated, and developed various franchise brands both as a franchisor and franchisee. Current holdings span over 400+ units including Genghis Grill, bd’s Mongolian, FlatTop Grill, KFC, Taco Bell, Sonic Drive-In, Rent-A-Center, and franchised hotels with IHG, Marriott, and Hilton.
Work Experience
CMG Companies is a group of separate and independent entities with investments in the multi-unit and franchise space primarily in restaurant, hotel, retail, and real estate sectors.
Brands that we are currently involved with are KFC, Taco Bell, Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Genghis Grill, Sonic, and Rent-A-Center to name a few.
In terms of where to slot CMG from an investor type – we are unique in the sense that we have owned and operated our own businesses, invested our own capital and also raised capital from LPs (both institutional and smaller accredited investors). We would say that CMG Companies should be described first and foremost as an Operator with Capital, then as a Small Family Office, and lastly as an Independent Sponsor since we are looking to partner with institutional capital on a deal by deal basis.
In addition to the operational experience, CMG also raises private equity capital for strategic growth and acquisition initiatives in anticipation of future expansion. CMG has raised close to $50 million in equity and has strived to deliver returns for that capital.
Business Application Analyst
Certified Merchant Services
- 2 years
Education
The University of Texas at Dallas - School of Management
Bachelor of Science - Business Adminstration/Management Information Systems
1996 - 1999
Apr 2018 - Jan 2020
Articles by Al
Fireside Pies Fundraiser to Support the Assist the Officer Fund
Fireside Pies is donating 100% of the proceeds from today, Thursday, July 14th, sales to the Assist the Officer Fund supporting our fallen heroes. Typically, many of you are out on the market throughout your business day, and I simply ask that you might consider having your lunch or dinner at Fireside Pies and help us support ATOdallas.org, if you can’t make it. If to one of the stores, possibly delivery through Amazon Prime Now or UberEats could be an option for you (in Dallas).
Vote for Fireside Pies!!!
Fireside Pies has been nominated for D Magazine’s best of Big D for 2015 in the Pizza category. This used to be a perennial award that Fireside Pies (www.firesidepies.com) won for 5 years in a row, but some of our competitors with larger social media followings have de-throned us in the last 3 years here in Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). We would love for us to win this and reclaim our rightful spot at the top in DFW…
Al Bhakta – How to Choose a Franchisee to Help Grow Your Business
Business growth is essential for your franchise because it spurs innovation, helps you understand the market, stays competitive, boosts your company’s credibility, increases stability, and generates higher returns on investments (ROIs).
Most franchise business owners find it challenging to find and select the right franchisees to represent their brand, products, or services to their target audience or existing customers.
7 Types of Business Organizations
Starting a business is a big decision. You must consider many things before deciding which type of business to start. The choice depends on your skills, interests, and resources. Choosing the wrong one can mean higher taxes or even bankruptcy. What does it take to choose the right type of business organization? Let Al Bhakta show you. .
