Description
Biglari Holdings is an American holding company headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, founded by entrepreneur Sardar Biglari. Its major subsidiaries include Steak 'n Shake, Maxim magazine, First Guard Insurance, and Western Sizzlin'.
Steak n Shake
In August 2008, Biglari took over Steak n Shake, which had been losing more than $100,000 a day. Biglari turned the company around from near insolvency to one making more than $100,000 a day. By 2015, the company had attained 24 consecutive quarters of same-store sales increases under Biglari. However, for fiscal 2017 and 2018, the Steak n Shake division had returned to same-store sales contraction. The company is now selling “franchises” claiming they will split profits 50% / 50% with the investors who put in $10,000.
Maxim
On February 27, 2014, Maxim magazine was bought by Biglari who commented, "We plan to build the business on multiple dimensions, thereby energizing our readership and viewership." In January 2016, Biglari officially took over as editor-in-chief of Maxim, though a Maxim staffer said that the new masthead title just formalizes what has always been clear: Biglari exercises full editorial control over Maxim. At one point last year, the staffer said, he decided to throw out a nearly complete version of the December issue in order to completely redesign the magazine. On January 13, 2016, Gilles Bensimon joined Biglari as a special creative director. "What drew me to Maxim was Sardar's vision for the brand," said Bensimon.
First Guard Insurance
On March 19, 2014, Biglari purchased First Guard Insurance Company. First Guard Founder and CEO Ed Campbell said: " I couldn't imagine a better, more fitting owner of First Guard."
Southern Pioneer Property and Casualty Insurance
In 2020, Biglari acquired Southern Pioneer Property & Casualty Insurance Co. from the Hyneman family who will continue to operate the company. Since 1981, Southern Pioneer has grown from $500,000 in capital and surplus and zero premium to over $18,000,000 capital and surplus with written premium in excess of $24,000,000 in 2015.
Southern Oil of Louisiana
In September 2019, Biglari acquired Southern Oil of Louisiana Inc. for $51.5 million.
