In its first big deal, BBQ Holdings Inc., the parent company of the Famous Dave's franchise, will buy fellow Minnesota-based chain Granite City Food and Brewery. The acquisition of the 25-unit casual dining concept comes two months after Granite City filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. While neither terms nor the purchase price were disclosed, Granite City had arranged a stalking horse bid of $7.5 million at the time of its Chapter 11 filing. Jeff Crivello, CEO of BBQ Holdings, said in an interview after the announcement February 13 that Granite City has its own 2020 plan, "So we'll let them execute that and determine in the next 60 days" what steps to take, including any additional restaurant closures. Last year Granite City closed seven restaurants. A sale hearing is set for February 21.