Marc Coucke's investment firm, Alychlo has acquired a majority stake in famous ribs restaurant chain, Amadeus, to accelerate its nationwide rollout.
Founded in 1987 in Ghent’s Patershol district, Amadeus has built a nationwide reputation for its all-you-can-eat ribs, signature baked potatoes and nostalgic decor. Today, the chain operates in five locations (Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp and Lozer) and will open another restaurant in Bruges this year (2026).
With Alychlo’s backing, Amadeus’ ambition is to add roughly one new location every year in Belgium.
“Everyone in this country has been to Amadeus at some point. You cannot build a brand like that; it takes forty years to grow one,” says Marc Coucke. “Marie and Peter have pulled off something few manage: they professionalised everything behind the scenes without taking the soul out of it.”
On top of that, he notes, they have built a financially solid business, capable of growing under its own steam. “Quality and service have never been better, and it's evident in how guests respond,” Marc adds. “That is the foundation we want to build on. We are not here to change Amadeus – we want far more people to enjoy it.”
Current shareholders Marie Thevelin and her husband Peter Dobbelaere, who acquired the business in late 2023 as part of a real estate transaction, will retain a minority stake and continue to run the day-to-day operations.
“When the chance came to take over the group, we went in with full conviction and a clear goal: to make this piece of Belgian culinary heritage fit for the future – impeccable on quality and food safety, without ever compromising the guest experience,” shares Marie. They spent the last two years focused on solidifying the brand’s foundation, upgrading kitchens, digitising food safety controls and rolling out a standardised operating manual across all sites.
With their continued involvement, the combination of Amadeus’ strong brand, proven concept and operational know-how with Alychlo’s entrepreneurial experience and extensive leisure and hospitality network provides a solid platform for further growth.
In recent years, Alychlo has built an extensive footprint in the sector through deals, such as the consolidation of prestige event organiser Zoute Grand Prix, its 50 percent stake in the merged SnowWorld indoor winter-sports group and the takeover of hospitality and event staffing group MaisonRouge.
“With Marc Coucke, one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country, and Alychlo alongside us, Amadeus heads into its fortieth anniversary in the best possible position to keep growing,” Marie says.
“To me, that is what thoughtful, sustainable entrepreneurship is about: surrounding yourself with the best possible partner,” she concludes.
VDP acted as exclusive advisor to the sellers.
