Backed by a new US-based private investor, JKS Pubs will now trade as Ardent Pub Group.
The new investment will enable the group to accelerate growth, targeting eight new openings across London and beyond in the next three to five years.
Established in 2021 as a partnership between Dominic Jacobs and JKS Restaurants, the group’s portfolio comprises of The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea, The George in Fitzrovia and The Hound in Chiswick.
It is the second time this year that JKS Restaurants, which is behind some of London’s best known and successful restaurants including Gymkhana, Kitchen Table and Sabor, has sold off one of its brands.
In July, JKS Restaurants sold its stake in Taiwanese restaurant group BAO to the Singapore-based The Lo & Behold Group.
According to the announcement, the international investment underscores ‘strong confidence’ in the British pub sector and the strategic direction of Ardent.
Ardent reports 20% year-on-year sales growth and over 40% year-on-year uplift in group level EBITDA, demonstrating strong performance despite industry-wide cost pressures and regulatory changes.
“This is a hugely proud moment for me and for the Ardent team. I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Jyo, Karam and Sue for their belief, guidance and friendship over the past few years - we simply wouldn’t be here without them,” Jacobs says.
“I’m delighted that we can take forward the pubs we built together under a new banner: Ardent Pub Group.”
Jyotin Sethi, co-founder and CEO of JKS Restaurants, adds: “Partnering with Dom and the team over the past four years has been an incredible journey, and this transaction represents a great outcome for all JKS Pubs stakeholders.
“Together, we’ve shaped what we believe a true modern British pub can be, and we’re immensely proud of what we have created - three brilliant pubs that are beacons of warmth and hospitality, with a brilliant team behind them.
“As Ardent embarks on this exciting new chapter, we look forward to watching their continued success and growth, and we have every confidence that they will set new benchmarks for the industry.”