Biglari Holdings Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in a number of diverse business activities, including property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, licensing and media, restaurants, and oil and gas. The company's operating subsidiaries are involved in the franchising and operating of restaurants.
Restaurant Operations
The company’s restaurant operations are conducted through two subsidiaries: Steak n Shake Inc. (‘Steak n Shake’) and Western Sizzlin Corporation (‘Western Sizzlin’) f...
Biglari Holdings Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in a number of diverse business activities, including property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, licensing and media, restaurants, and oil and gas. The company's operating subsidiaries are involved in the franchising and operating of restaurants.
Restaurant Operations
The company’s restaurant operations are conducted through two subsidiaries: Steak n Shake Inc. (‘Steak n Shake’) and Western Sizzlin Corporation (‘Western Sizzlin’) for a combined 458 units. As of December 31, 2024, Steak n Shake had company-operated restaurants, franchise partner units, and traditional franchise units. Western Sizzlin had company-operated restaurants and franchise units.
Steak n Shake is a classic American brand serving premium burgers and milkshakes. Western Sizzlin also operates two other concepts: Great American Steak & Buffet, and Wood Grill Buffet.
Company-Operated Restaurants
A typical company-operated restaurant management team consists of a general manager, a restaurant manager, and other managers, depending on the sales volume of the restaurant. Each restaurant’s general manager has primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of his or her unit. Restaurant operations obtain food products and supplies from independent national distributors. Purchases are centrally negotiated to ensure uniformity in product quality.
Franchise Partner Restaurants
Steak n Shake offers a franchise partner program to transition company-operated restaurants to franchise partnerships. The franchise agreement stipulates that the franchisee make an upfront investment totaling ten thousand dollars. Steak n Shake, as the franchisor, assesses a fee of up to 15% of sales, as well as 50% of profits. Potential franchise partners are screened based on entrepreneurial attitude and ability, but they become franchise partners based on achievement. Each must meet the gold standard in service. Franchise partners are single-unit owner-operators.
Traditional Franchise Restaurants
Restaurant operations’ traditional franchising program extends the brands to areas in which there are no current development plans for company stores. The expansion plans include seeking qualified new franchisees and expanding relationships with franchisees. Restaurant operations typically seek franchisees with both the financial resources necessary to fund successful development and significant experience in the restaurant/retail business. Both restaurant chains assist franchisees with the development and ongoing operation of their restaurants. In addition, personnel assist franchisees with site selection, approve restaurant sites, and provide prototype plans, construction support, and specifications. Restaurant operations staff provides both on-site and off-site instruction to franchise restaurant management and associates.
International
The company has a corporate office in Monaco and an international organization with personnel in various functions to support its international business. The company’s traditional domestic franchise agreements, a typical international franchise development agreement includes development and franchise fees in addition to subsequent royalty fees based on the gross sales of each restaurant.
Property and Casualty Insurance
Biglari Holdings’ insurance and reinsurance business activities are conducted through domestic and foreign-based insurance subsidiaries. Included in this group of subsidiaries is First Guard Insurance Company and its affiliated agency, 1st Guard Corporation (collectively ‘First Guard’); Southern Pioneer Property & Casualty Insurance Company and its affiliated agency, Southern Pioneer Insurance Agency, Inc. (collectively ‘Southern Pioneer’); and Biglari Reinsurance Ltd.
First Guard and Southern Pioneer operate under licenses issued by various state insurance authorities. The primary focus of regulation is to ensure that insurers are financially solvent and that policyholder interests are otherwise protected. States establish minimum capital levels for insurance companies and establish guidelines for permissible business and investment activities.
First Guard is a direct underwriter of commercial truck insurance, primarily selling physical damage and nontrucking liability insurance to truckers. First Guard’s insurance products are marketed primarily through direct response methods via the Internet or by telephone.
Southern Pioneer underwrites garage liability and commercial property, as well as homeowners and dwelling fire insurance on an admitted basis.
Oil and Gas Business
The company’s oil and gas operations are conducted through two entities, Southern Oil Company (‘Southern Oil’) and Abraxas Petroleum Corporation (‘Abraxas Petroleum’). Southern Oil primarily operates oil and natural gas properties offshore in Louisiana state waters. Abraxas Petroleum operates oil and natural gas wells in the Permian Basin. In 2022, the company purchased 90% of Abraxas Petroleum. In 2023, the company acquired the remaining 10% of Abraxas Petroleum.
Brand Licensing Business
Maxim’s business lies principally in brand licensing. Maxim products are marketed under various registered brand names, including but not limited to, ‘MAXIM’ and ‘Maxim’.
History
The company was founded in 1934. It was incorporated in 1976. The company was formerly known as The Steak n Shake Company and changed its name to Biglari Holdings Inc. in 2010.