Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix’s Brûlée Catering Finds New Owner in Comcast Spectacor

The acquisition spells growth for both companies.

From Left: Barry Gutin, president of GuestCounts Hospitality; Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix; and Matt Levin, executive chef for Brûlée Catering at the National Constitution Center at a 2014 event to honor Malala Yousafzai. Image by HughE Dillon.

Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix’s Brûlée Catering — the hospitality group with exclusive caterer status at top Philly destinations like the Museum of the American Revolution and Dilworth Park — is set to undergo some welcome expansion. The company announced on Wednesday a deal that will allow it to fold its services into Comcast Spectacor’s portfolio.
And with the acquisition comes a new name for the James Beard Award-winning chef’s catering empire: Brûlée by Spectra.

The name change won’t be immediate and the company will continue to operate as is for some time, a Brûlée Catering spokeswoman told Philadelphia magazine. And though financial terms of the agreement weren’t disclosed, Comcast Spectacor president and CEO Dave Scott says the deal is a big win for both parties and their respective clients.

For Comcast Spectacor, which is the parent company for Spectra’s Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality and Corporate Partnerships divisions, as well as the Wells Fargo Complex and the Philadelphia Flyers, Brûlée’s services will diversify its holdings and boost Spectra’s off-premise catering capabilities.

According to their website, Spectra’s food services and hospitality arm serves large markets like arenas, convention centers, casinos and even racetracks, including the Atlantic City Convention Center and Delaware Speedway.

“This acquisition marks a strategic step forward as we continue to expand Spectra into new high-growth areas, which include premium catering for a broad range of clients,” Scott said.

For Brûlée, previously under GuestCounts Hospitality, the deal will also power its growth. The company currently provides services to more than 200 client properties across the United States and Canada and serves three million visitors and 4,000 events annually. Its portfolio of notable events, from former Mayor Nutter’s Inaugural Ball to the annual Liberty Awards Ceremony at the National Constitution Center, suggests the company can add a touch of class to Comcast Spectacor’s services. The company’s list of honorees includes John Lewis, Malala Yousafzai, Hillary Clinton and Muhammed Ali.

Barry Gutin, president of GuestCounts Hospitality said he feels great about he future of Brûlée.

“Spectra brings substantial resources and new opportunities, which will help fuel Brûlée’s growth,” he said. “We’re looking forward to working with Spectra and believe this provides an excellent evolution for our employees and clients.”

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