Who owns Weber?

[1buckie]

"If that's true (and we don't really know that it is), then I would actually be happy that they sold to a capital group and put a new CEO in charge. It might not be family owned anymore, but at least the people in charge are "business people" who are actually 100% focused on the growing the business and the Weber brand.

I'll go back to my original statement: The next few years are going to be very interesting for Weber (and it's fans). We'll start to see where this new ownership is going to take the company long term. Are they going to push our winners (new master touch and new performer) or take Weber down market (crap walmart kettle and thin grates). I hope it's the former....."

= gas BBQ's, not a bad thing, just the reality of profit...........

[Troy]

Please keep the brand bashing to a minimum.

None of us know enough details of their business to intelligently discuss the reasons for ANY of their changes or methods.
We have a relationship with Weber, and we're obviously a community centered around one of their product lines.

[Metal Mike]

I love the brand & have High hopes for the physical product Company.

its just that I watched a rich man's son blow through nearly a million dollars "failing to start" a restaurant.
But it was such a COOL idea...

eg:
http://amazingribs.com/BBQ_articles/catering_business.html

Well written info, Now imagine double the problems expressed in this article then multiply 12 (family/kids) x # x # (employees, property, etc)

Business wise, they knew what they were doing separating from the NOVELTY money pit.
Hopefully they (WEBER inc) will listen to the fans & rea$onable customers...

[Johnpv]

My biggest fear is their customer service becoming like other companies, hopefully the new management will understand how important that is to their customer base and not change anything there.

[addicted-to-smoke]

Metal Mike, what's wrong with the Weber restaurants? From what I understand they offer a compelling service (food cooked with charcoal) serve as an advertising vehicle for the grills and memorabilia for the OLD grills, and oh yeah are expanding into other states (Ohio and Missouri, maybe others?) Are the Chicago locations in trouble or something?

[Troy]

The change happened 5 years ago, and it took 2+ years to work the deal.

I think the brand is in good hands.

[Metal Mike]

@addicted-to-smoke, good points & I wish every business well*** I just hope they cashed out nicely as profit margins are thin in that arena & outsourced management can eat that up quick. & expanding could be trouble as bigger = bigger $$$

+ I enjoy & wonder if the family still does the grilling books, they offer compelling ideas, tho less adaptive techniques

***W/ Personal knowledge of "family business" potential troubles & associate knowledge of restaurant problems.