California-based restaurant operator Ghai Restaurants has acquired 44 Taco Bell restaurants in the Houston metropolitan area from Mas Restaurant Group (MRG), significantly expanding its presence within the Yum! Brands system and marking its first major move into Texas. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The deal more than doubles Ghai Restaurants’ Taco Bell portfolio, increasing its Taco Bell count to 81 locations and bringing its total restaurant portfolio to approximately 260 units across multiple quick-service brands, including Burger King and Popeyes.
Mas Restaurant Group, backed by New York-based investment firm Bessemer Investors, operates 123 Taco Bell restaurants across the Houston, Texas, and Columbus, Ohio markets. Following the transaction, the company will continue operating 79 restaurants in Greater Houston and 42 locations in Ohio.
According to the companies, the transaction aligns with both parties’ strategic growth objectives. Ghai Restaurants gains access to one of Taco Bell’s strongest-performing markets, while MRG continues to optimize its portfolio under Bessemer’s ownership.
“This is a dream portfolio in a dream market,” said Harsh Ghai in an interview discussing the acquisition. He noted that the company has been looking to diversify beyond its largely California-based footprint while increasing its exposure to the Taco Bell brand, which has consistently delivered strong systemwide performance over the past decade.
The acquisition also represents Ghai Restaurants’ first significant expansion outside the U.S. West Coast. The company currently operates restaurants primarily across California and Oregon and views Texas as an attractive market for long-term growth and profitability.
In a social media announcement, Ghai Restaurants celebrated the deal, stating: “We’re messin’ with Texas!” while confirming the acquisition of the 44 Houston Taco Bell restaurants.
The transaction comes amid continued momentum for Taco Bell, one of the flagship brands of Yum! Brands. Taco Bell has continued to post strong sales growth and gain market share among younger consumers and higher-income customers, making it one of the most sought-after franchise systems in the quick-service restaurant sector.
The deal was announced on June 1, 2026. Legal adviser Sidley Austin LLP represented Mas Restaurant Group in the transaction. The Sidley team was led by David D’Urso and included Matt Naifeh, Emily Chazen, David Hoff and Kristen L. Mitsinikos.
The acquisition highlights the continued consolidation taking place within the U.S. quick-service restaurant franchise sector, as large multi-unit operators seek scale, geographic diversification, and greater exposure to high-performing brands.
