• INVESTMENT SUMMIT •
HOW TO ATTRACT INVESTORS TO YOUR EMERGING RESTAURANT CONCEPT The second annual Investment Summit explored financing options for emerging brands and what they need to do to stand out in a crowded and pressured market
BY ALICIA KELSO
E merging restaurateurs looking for capital to grow their concepts should keep a few things in mind. First, they should have a unique differentiator, which is driving – and has historically driven – some of the most successful concepts in the indus- try. This is especially true now as con- sumers become more discerning. Second, know your financials. Many entrepreneurs start a concept because of the compelling food and hospital- ity piece, but it’s just as critical to un- derstand your balance sheet and to strengthen your four-wall economics before growing, not vice versa. Third, don’t be an a*shole. Trust, communication, and honesty are the keys to a successful investor partner- ship. Finally, do your homework, know your options, and talk to as many peo- ple as you can. These were the biggest takeaways at the 2024 Investment Summit, tied to Nation’s Restaurant News’ CREATE: The Event for Emerging Restaurateurs conference in Nashville, Tenn. The second annual summit was designed to bring together leaders of emerging restaurant brands with the investment community to provide such an environ- ment for networking, education, and exploration of capital growth opportu- nities. The Summit included three panels: •“Are You Ready for Private Equity?” moderated by Savory Fund manag- ing partner and co-founder Andrew K. Smith and featuring Jeff Brock, found -
•CEO and CIO, Andalusian Credit Part- ners, Gregg Majewski, CEO, Cravewor- thy Brands, and Alicia Miller, co-found- er and managing partner, Emergent Growth Advisors. •“The path to landing your dream deal,” moderated by Restaurant Business editor-in-chief Jonathan Maze and fea- turing Anne Gannon, CEO, The Largo Group, Rikin Lakhani, practice lead, emerging brands, The Elliot Group, and Andrew Peskoe, chairman, Golen- bock. There were plenty of themes from all
er and managing partner of Hargett Hunter, Lauren Fernandez, CEO and founder of Full Course, Anand Gala, founder and managing partner of Gala Capital Partners, Akash Mirchandani, partner of Kitchen Fund, and Perry Leavitt, vice president of Enlightened Hospitality Investments. • “What are some other financing op - tions available?” moderated by myself and featuring Claire Anderson, part- ner, Cougar Point Partners, Neha Gov- indraj, CEO, founder, Bonside, Aaron Kless
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PHOTO CREDIT: EDIN STUDIOS
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