Lions Choice

Lion’s Choice is a regional quick-service restaurant best known for its roast beef sandwiches and classic American menu. The company was founded in 1967 by Marv Gibbs, Clint Tobias, and Dick Brannon, who opened the first location in Ballwin, Missouri. Over the decades, Lion’s Choice established a strong reputation for slow-roasted beef and a focus on quality, becoming a fixture in the St. Louis area.

In 2017, Argonne Capital Group acquired Lion’s Choice, marking a notable milestone in the brand’s history. Under private equity ownership, the company has modernized its operations and pursued a steady, measured expansion. As of November 2025, Lion’s Choice operates 34 restaurants, with most locations concentrated in the greater St. Louis region and additional stores in Kansas City, Springfield, and Southern Illinois.

During the past five years, Lion’s Choice has introduced new store formats, including drive-thru-only and urban prototypes, reflecting a flexible approach to real estate and changing consumer habits. The company is actively seeking new sites in high-traffic corridors and areas with strong daytime populations, and is open to both ground-up development and conversion opportunities. Lion’s Choice does not currently offer franchising.

For landlords, brokers, and developers, Lion’s Choice stands out as a stable, well-established operator with a loyal customer base and a willingness to consider a variety of site types. The brand’s recent growth posture and openness to new formats make it a credible candidate for both suburban and urban infill locations.