Chalak Mitra Group Purchases Limacol Caribbean Premier League Franchise Jamaica Tallawahs

- Leading US-based entrepreneurs to bring business expertise and passion for cricket to reigning CPL champs

DALLAS, July 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a thrilling opening weekend for the Limacol Caribbean Premier League 2014, Chalak Mitra Group (CMG) has been announced as the new franchise owners of reigning Limacol CPL champions, the Jamaica Tallawahs.

CMG was founded by seven best friends, who are dynamic entrepreneurs from India that are passionate about cricket. The group, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, owns and operates restaurant concepts across America, including one of the largest KFC franchises in the country, as well as raising private equity capital for strategic growth and acquisition initiatives. The group is no stranger to sport: through its restaurant businesses, it has sponsorship deals with NBA teams, the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies, as well as several initiatives at collegiate and grassroots levels.

The Jamaica Tallawahs emerged as champions from the inaugural Limacol Caribbean Premier League last year. This past Saturday they set the stage for an exciting second season with a first game win over the St. Lucia Zouks, with Tallawahs Captain, Chris Gayle scoring the first ever CPL century. Grenada, known for its vibrant culture and hospitality, served as the opening venue to showcase the region's most exciting domestic Twenty20 tournament, which sees global stars including Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Kevin Pietersen and Mohammad Hafeez taking part in the "Biggest Party in Sport." 

Manish Patel, Chairman and President of CMG, said:
"We're delighted to become the new owners of the Jamaica Tallawahs franchise. As a group we are passionate about cricket and after seeing the success of the CPL last year, we knew this was something we wanted to be a part of. The unique and vibrant culture of Jamaica drew us towards the Tallawahs, and given that Indo-Jamaican culture has flourished for many years, we knew it was the right choice. We can't wait to get involved with the team and become a part of the Jamaican community."

Damien O'Donohoe, CEO, Caribbean Premier League, said:
"It's a testament to the strength of the CPL and the Jamaica Tallawahs that we are able to welcome such a respected new franchise owner. CMG is a hugely successful organisation with vast experience and a passion for sport. We're looking forward to working with them as they help us reinforce the success of the CPL and develop new audiences for the Biggest Party in Sport."

The Jamaica Tallawahs play its next match against the Antigua Hawksbills at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on July 17^th at 3.30pm local time.

About the Chalak Mitra Group:
Chalak Mitra Group currently owns and operates over 275 restaurants with annual revenues of US$350 million. These include over 105 Genghis Grill, Build Your Own Stir Fry eateries in Dallas, the 11-unit, Baker Bros American Deli fast-casual chain, a full service craft cocktail kitchen called Pepper Smash, a five-unit Tex-Mex casual dining concept called Ruby Tequilas, a three-unit, fast casual Italian brand called, Go Roma, and a four-unit polished casual brand, Fireside Pies.

The company also has investments in various other projects including hotels, real estate and manufacturing. CMG is also a franchise partner of Yum Brands, thru its affiliate company, Mitra QSR in over 140 Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell units across 12 states. It is also a franchisee of Twin Peaks restaurants and La Madeleine Country French Cafes.

CMG also has current hotel holdings with Hilton and Marriott branded limited service properties. In addition, CMG's private equity arm has raised over US$50 million in private capital over the last 10 years, making various other investments in real estate, hospitality, and manufacturing. Its most recent manufacturing acquisition is with a functional beverage and alcohol bottling plant, Southwest Bottling & Co-Packing, LLC based in Dallas.

For more information about the Chalak Mitra Group, please visit www.chalakmitragroup.com.

About the Caribbean Premier League:
Caribbean Premier League is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere. The inaugural CPL, billed as "the Biggest Party in Sport," featured six teams competing throughout the region in August 2013 – Jamaica Tallawahs, The Red Steel, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Lucia Zouks, and Antigua Hawksbills. The Jamaica Tallawahs, captained by Chris Gayle, emerged as champions.

Contact:
Ron Parikh
Chalak Mitra Group
info@chalakmitragroup.com