Rick Erwin Dining Group acquires CityRange

Rick Erwin Dining Group has expanded its portfolio of Upstate restaurants with the acquisition of a longtime favorite.

CityRange Steakhouse Grill announced this week its acquisition by Rick Erwin Dining Group for an undisclosed price, bringing together two independent restaurant companies.

CityRange has served guests across the Upstate for more than two decades. Rick Erwin Dining Group, founded in Greenville 21 years ago, operates several restaurants throughout the region and views the acquisition as a strategic opportunity to expand its portfolio while preserving a well-established local brand.

“We are incredibly proud of what CityRange has become and grateful to the guests, employees and community members who have supported us over the years,” Cory Wilk, local owner of CityRange Steakhouse Grill, said in a news release. “When we considered the future of the brand, it was important to find a partner who shares our values and commitment to hospitality. Rick Erwin Dining Group is the right fit. This partnership positions CityRange for a strong future while creating new opportunities for our team members and enhancing the experience we deliver to our guests.”

Founded as a concept developed by Advantica Restaurant Group Inc., CityRange opened its first restaurant in Greenville in 1998. It was later acquired by local ownership, and a second location opened in Spartanburg in 2005.

Edna Morris, CEO of Range Restaurant Group, co-founder and co-owner of CityRange, led the initial development of CityRange as part of Advantica.

“It has been a privilege to work with Cory and the CityRange team,” she said in the release. “This transition creates exciting opportunities for our people and guests, while ensuring CityRange continues to thrive for years to come.”

Morris and Wilk, along with co-owners David Forrester and David Szustak, extended their appreciation to the team and guests who have supported CityRange over the years.

Under the new ownership, Rick Erwin Dining Group intends to maintain the CityRange brand, culture and guest experience while investing additional resources to support future growth.

“CityRange has earned an outstanding reputation and loyal customer base,” Rick Erwin, founder and owner of the group, said in the release. “We see this as an opportunity to add a highly respected, complementary brand to our restaurant family. CityRange serves a different segment of the dining market than our fine dining concepts, and we believe there is tremendous potential to grow the brand while preserving everything guests already love about it.”

As part of the transition, Wilk will remain actively involved with the company to help sustain CityRange’s reputation, support employee retention, and lead initiatives focused on growing sales, developing team members, and improving operations across both restaurant locations, the release said. Rick Erwin Dining Group also plans to provide additional support through its existing leadership team in the areas of culinary development, beverage programming and restaurant operations.

“Our people have always been the heart of our success,” Erwin said. “We’re committed to investing in CityRange employees by providing additional opportunities for development, leadership growth, and expanded benefits. We place tremendous emphasis on helping our team members succeed, feel confident in their roles, and build rewarding careers in hospitality.”

CityRange will continue operating under its current name with its familiar menu, service standards, and commitment to hospitality, the release stated. Leadership from both organizations will work closely together to ensure a seamless transition for employees and guests alike.

“CityRange has been locally loved for 28 years because of our loyal team members and guests,” Wilk said. “This partnership gives us the resources and support to build on that foundation while staying true to the values that made CityRange successful in the first place.”