Meritage Hospitality Group Data Breach Lawsuit Investigation
Meritage Hospitality Group confirmed a cybersecurity incident that compromised personal data on July 8, 2025 and notified consumers on November 3, 2025. If you received a breach letter, you may qualify for free identity-theft protection and could pursue legal remedies. Use the resources below to protect yourself and learn how to join the ongoing investigation.
Key Details of the Meritage Hospitality Group Breach
- Company involved: Meritage Hospitality Group, Inc. (“Meritage”)
- Breach date: July 8, 2025
- Notice mailed: November 3, 2025
- Regulatory filing date: November 7, 2025 (Massachusetts Attorney General)
- Total individuals affected: 1 (Massachusetts resident)
- Data exposed: Social Security numbers
- Free services offered: 24 months of iD Watchdog identity-theft protection through Equifax
Timeline of Events
According to the Massachusetts Attorney General filing, Meritage discovered unauthorized access to a database on July 8, 2025. After completing its investigation, the company mailed written notifications to impacted individuals on November 3, 2025 and filed the incident with the Commonwealth on November 7, 2025.
What Information Was Compromised?
The exposed dataset contained Social Security numbers for the affected individual. No other data categories were referenced in the notice.
How Meritage Responded
Meritage stated it “regrets that this incident occurred” and is:
- Providing complimentary Equifax iD Watchdog identity-theft protection services for 24 months.
- Offering direct assistance through Mike Johnson at mijohnson@mhgi.net or (616) 608-9028.
Recommended Actions for Impacted Consumers
Meritage’s letter outlines several protective steps you can take:
- Enroll in the free Equifax iD Watchdog service using the custom link provided in your letter.
- Place a security freeze or fraud alert at each bureau if you wish to restrict new credit:
- Monitor account statements and credit reports for unfamiliar activity.
- Immediately report suspected identity theft to law enforcement and request a police report, as permitted under Massachusetts law.
Company Overview
Full Legal Name: Meritage Hospitality Group, Inc. (Meritage Hospitality Group)
Industry: Restaurants
Ticker: MHGU (OTCQX)
Headquarters: 45 Ottawa Ave SW Suite 600, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
Year Founded: 1986
Employees: Approximately 12,000
Official resources:
- Website: meritagehospitality.com
- Facebook: /MeritageHospitalityGroup
- Instagram: @meritagehospitality
- LinkedIn: Meritage Hospitality Group, Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions
I received a data breach letter from Meritage Hospitality Group — what should I do?
Follow the enrollment instructions for the free 24-month Equifax iD Watchdog service, consider placing a credit freeze, and watch your financial accounts for unusual activity.
How do I submit a claim related to the Meritage Hospitality Group data breach?
You may contact the investigation team on this page or consult with a qualified privacy attorney to explore potential claims for statutory or actual damages arising from the breach.
What information did the Meritage Hospitality Group breach expose?
The notice indicates that Social Security numbers for the affected individual were compromised.
Did Meritage Hospitality Group offer credit monitoring, and for how long?
Yes. The company is offering 24 months of complimentary iD Watchdog identity-theft protection through Equifax.
How many people were affected by the Meritage Hospitality Group breach?
The regulatory filing lists 1 impacted Massachusetts resident.
How can I get the official breach notice (PDF) for Meritage Hospitality Group?
You can download the filing directly from the Massachusetts Attorney General website using the button above.